LTHC Men’s 2nd XI 0 vs Streetly Men’s 1st XI 1
MRHA T1 – Midlands 2
Saturday 15th February 2020
The Men’s 2nd XI looked to bounce back from a disappointing trip to Burton last week with a home game against Streetly 1st XI.
Town were fired up for the game and started solidly with positive moves from Gutteridge and his new midfield partner Parry. Unfortunately a lapse in defensive concentration and a weaving run by Streetly’s forward gave the away side a 1-0 lead early on.
The home side were quick to respond though, as Chiswell ran the length of the pitch unchallenged then delivered a pass to Hatley close to goal, who had lost his man, but narrowly missed the target. Town began to take control of possession in the oppositions third but failed to deliver the final ball into the D. Chances fell to Horsfall who made a run to the top D to be found by Gutteridge but was unable to generate enough power to beat the keeper and Guest couldn’t reach the rebound. Good defensive covering from Ottewell made sure Town were still in the game a half time as he prevented two through balls reaching the forwards.
The second half started brightly for Town as D’Souza’s excellent performance started many of Town’s more promising moves. Good combinations between Captain Lamb and the forward line opened up the Streetly defence early in the half for Hatley who was unable to find the net or the ball as he accidentally struck the Streetly defender. After a short break to clean the blooded pitch, the game had changed pace and Town struggled to gain a foothold or create enough chances to get anything out of the game. Dhutia’s best performance of the season in goal ensured that the game would end at 1-0.
Despite the result there were positives to take for Town who enjoyed long spells of possession and looked solid throughout but were unable to come up with the required goals.
