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POOR PERFORMANCE TARNISHES WIN AS THE UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES

January 30 2010 | Mens 1st XI vs Northampton Saints | 2-1 Win

Martin Webb scored one and made another to sink Northampton Saints, but then got sent off, in a lively affair that strengthened Lichfield’s hold on second place.

Lichfield went into the game not having lost in the league since 26th September to the runaway league leaders, Olton. They were without centre back Waz who was still suffering from a niggling ankle injury. Rumours that gout had set in were soon extinguished by the player’s agent.

The game, between two attack minded teams, started brightly with Lichfield soon ahead. The much coveted Webb shrugged off his marker to play a nonchalant ball through to Ade Gilbert who, at the second attempt, powerfully drove home the opening goal – notching his 17th of the season. With the transfer window now firmly shut, Lichfield will be elated to have kept hold of their prized asset.

Even after the opening goal Lichfield struggled to find any real rhythm and it was Northampton who looked the more dangerous, with goalkeeper Bungle called into action. Lichfield’s number one made an impressive save at his near post and followed that up with an equally notable save from a Saints short corner.

Neil Critchley, showing off an unusual scar on his forehead as rumours about his private life continues to make the headlines, drove down the right but his cross could not be converted. Northampton then got themselves back into the game. A fortuitous free hit shifted to the left gave the Northampton number 8 an opportunity to strike at goal and he grasped it with both hands. An unstoppable shot, which went in off the inside off the post, drew the Saints level and it was game on.

Lichfield hit back almost immediately and were rewarded with a short corner after the ball hit a Northampton foot in the ‘D’. The self-belief engendered by Webb is fantastic to behold and he made no mistake with a well placed drag flick. Following this spectacular show, the final third of the first half turned into a somewhat drab affair.

After a father and son fall out at half time, which can only be best described as hand bags, the second half began like the first ended, with neither team unable to stamp their authority. Bungle sprang into life (yes really) as he was tested again from a short corner. At times the Lichfield back four fought like beavers. Even the usually quiet and timid (yet sleek) Dave Pearson, the team pin up, showed tenacity.

Northampton’s best player nearly made it 2-2 with an audacious effort. Leaving Bungle on his rear, he could see the whites of Thackery’s eyes as he flicked an effort towards goal. Thackers, still on the line recovering from Northampton’s last attack, coolly blocked the attempt and cleared the danger.

Danny Campbell then missed a golden opportunity to seal the points as he opted to pass rather than shoot with just the keeper to beat. Neil Billingham was next in line to rue a missed chance as his flick was saved by the Saints goalkeeper. Northampton were still posing a threat and Will Davies was shifted to the ‘Makelele’ role in an attempt to put a halt to Northampton’s attacking play. Lichfield then produced another chance with Gardiner the architect as he slipped an intelligent ball into Rogers’ path. His foray into the D ended with the usually clinical Gilbert missing from only a few yards out.

Lichfield survived another bout of short corners with the skipper leading the way with a vital tackle which ensured that Lichfield were victorious and yet to drop a point in 2010.

There was still time for Webb to be given his marching orders after the playmaker unleashed a torrent of abuse at a clearly shell shocked umpire.

Special thanks must be given to Wrighty whose tactical nous played an integral role in the home win. His inability to get his hands on an appearance bonus continues to thwart him. 

Next up is Khalsa for the Lichfield boys and they will be looking to extend their four month unbeaten run. 

Goal Scorers

Team