LTHC Men’s 2nd XI 5 vs Leek Men’s 2nd XI 2
MRHA T1 – Midlands 2
Saturday 12th October 2019
Town took their first 3 points of the season with a hard fought win over a determined Leek team. The home side included 2 debutants in Megicks and Craig.
From the start, both players proved to be worth their weight. A turnover tackle from Craig allowed Megicks to carry the ball deep in to the opposition’s half. A wide pass out to the youthful and energetic Jephcott on the left, resulting in a desperate Leek chase back, proved fruitless. An unselfish pass allowed Captain Lamb a neat tap in at the far post, albeit at a full stretch dive.
Within a matter of minutes, 1 became 2, when Hatley swept in from close range, off a goal bound shot from Jephcott.
With the midfield playmaker Henderson influential as ever, it looked as though Town would romp to a comfortable victory. Alas no! A rash tackle from Lamb, presented Leek with a penalty corner, which was dispatched in style. This was shortly followed by another Leek penalty corner, another goal. 2 all.
With the game in the balance at half time, the next goal was going to prove pivotal. Tireless running and defending from Chiswell, Ottewell and Bayne ensured the away side were kept at bay upon the restart. The passes that did get through were comfortably dealt with at the back by the ever dependable Shepherd, once again proving his value to the team.
After 50 minutes, the 3rd goal came and much to the delight of the home crowd, it went Town’s way. A quick 1-2 between Gutteridge and Bayne in the middle of the pitch meant Leek were overloaded. The resulting pass found Hatley. A solid strike at goal found a Leek body on the line. The penalty stroke awarded was calmly slotted away by Guest. However, Guest was not finished for the day. A cheeky trademark reverse lob over a Leek defender, found man of the match Jephcott, who stuck the ball mid-air past a stunned Leek keeper. 2 minutes later, a Henderson crash ball was picked by Hatley and subsequently smashed in to net for the fifth.
All in all, a good day at the office for Town who travel away next week to face Coventry and North Warwick 1st Xl.
