LTHC Men’s 3rd XI 0 at Derwent Men’s 1st XI 4
MRHA T2 – East Midlands 1
Saturday 26th October 2019
Loughborough Town 3rd XI travelled north to picturesque Wirksworth where they found the cold and rain had followed them. Town knew this was going to be a difficult game against a well organised Derwent 1st XI
The game started well for Town as stand in Captain Rory Cook won the coin toss and elected to swap sides. This tactical move backfired as Derwent started strong putting Town under pressure from the off.
Within the first five minutes an uncharacteristic mistake from Cook, giving the ball away to their centre forward resulted in Town going down an early goal.
Derwent had clearly come with a game plan of a really high press, which Town initially struggle to get the ball out from their own half. The midfield trio of Elliott Crocker, Arun Mistry and Nathan Byrne were going to have to work hard to open up space.
The team had to work harder when Mistry committed a foul in the D, resulting in a short corner and a green card. Luckily for Town Derwent couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity, sending the ball wide from a top of the D strike.
Whilst Town gradually got into the game stringing some passes together and retaining possession, they ultimately weren’t able to get any real any D penetration.
Derwent continue to keep up the pressure on Town’s defence, getting several short corner chances, though the defence stood strong with keeper Jaimin Metcalf making some good saves. Eventually though the second goal came and Derwent took a 2-0 lead into half-time.
A stern team half-time talk by Cook Town looked to come out stronger side in the second half. Unfortunately, whilst Town started to play better in open play they kept on giving short corners away. Eventually Derwent converted one for a 3-0 lead.
As the game went on Town got some decent entries into the D, but couldn’t upgrade or even get a shot on target.
Derwent’s fourth and final goal came on a breakaway. Mark Dalby’s jab tackle as the Derwent forward drove towards goal wasn’t as effective as it could have been, and he managed to get his shot off and then score off his rebound (after Metcalf had made the initial save).
Not the result Town wanted but they remain mid table, and still in a better position that this time last year. Town entertain Northampton Saints 2nd XI at home next Saturday looking to get a result.