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Honours even but could have been more…

March 14 2009 | Mens 1st XI vs Northampton Saints | 3-3 Draw

Lichfield hosted Northampton Saints on Saturday as they entered the business end of the season. With only three games to go and a handful of points separating all but 3 teams in the Midlands Premier league, a positive result was imperative against the side sitting fourth.

The pressure was evident as both teams started tentatively trying to keep hold of possession at all costs. However, it was Saints who took the early ascendancy scoring two counter attack goals as Lichfield lost possession trying to create at the visitor’s end. Lichfield managed to pull a goal back following a good penalty corner move turned in by Simon Rodgers. However, the visitors scored another break away goal just before the break leaving Lichfield trailing 3-1 at half time.

Following words of encouragement from coach Jo Nightingale at half time, Lichfield started better in the second half with Ali Gardiner linking with the forward line well creating a number of chances. This was rewarded with another penalty corner which was well finished by Andrew Thackery. Lichfield didn’t have to wait long for their equaliser when a good through ball was controlled and finished well by Steven Bailey. Lichfield pressed on but could not find that winning goal. A good save from Lee Charles from a Saints’ penalty corner kept the scores level and Lichfield also did well to survive an uneasy 5 minutes late in the game when they were reduced to 9 players.    

The game finished 3-3 - a fair result in hindsight although Lichfield may have felt they could have snatched the points near the end. Lichfield have 2 games remaining knowing that survival is entirely in their own hands.

Goal Scorers

Jo Nightingale (1)
Simon Rodgers (1)
Steven Bailey (1)

Team

Neil Billingham
Jo Nightingale
Neal Critchley
Ali Gardiner
Paul Campbell
Adrian Gilbert
Simon Rodgers
William Davies
Daniel Campbell
Steven Bailey