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Lichfield have the Edge as unbeaten run continues

February 13 2010 | Mens 1st XI vs Edgbaston | 3-1 Win

Lichfield extended their lead over 3rd placed Khalsa as the unbeaten run edges closer to the five month mark. The only change to last week’s team was an enforced one with Neil Critchley having travelled to Vancouver to partake in the Winter Olympics.

 

The old problems that beset Rodgers’ tenure seem to have disappeared as Lichfield never really looked like a team that would leave the Birmingham University pitches empty handed.

 

In a similar fashion to previous weeks, the game started scrappily and it was hosts Edgbaston who looked the more dangerous in the early stages. Lichfield seemed distracted and with Valentines Day looming, maybe the thought of pleasing the Lichfield WAGs was getting too much for a team with Champions League aspirations. Andrew Thackery looked like a forlorn figure carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, whilst Chopper was sneakily caught writing one of his many cards.

 

It was left to the old fox Neil Billingham to shout a few home truths and spur the team into action, and his encouragement was not without fruition. A penetrating ball from Martin Webb gave the prolific Gilbert the chance to open the scoring and he dully delivered, albeit at the second attempt.

 

Edgbaston searched for an equaliser but lacked any real killer instinct. On the odd occasion inroads were made but ‘keeper Bungle shut them out, making one splendid save of note at his near post. Chopper, back in his familiar right back role offered width and desire and his willingness to bomb forward was rewarded in the closing stages of the first half. His charge down the right was exhilarating, beating three men and retaining the composure to pick out Rogers with a low cross who converted a diving finish with aplomb. The young Russian, not known for putting his body on the line, showed just why Lichfield had eased into second place. Furthermore, Webb could have made it three after a mesmerising run and Gardiner was unlucky not to win a short corner as Lichfield ended the first half in control.

 

The second half offered few highlights and it was Edgbaston who pulled a goal back with twenty minutes to play to set up a tense finale.

 

Will Davies shone at the back and the Welsh international made a number of forward runs to ease the pressure from the back four. Complementing Davies on the left was Gardiner who never shied away from a tackle as the cheeky terrier gets more like Joey Barton week after week.

 

In Danny Campbell, Lichfield have their very own Duracell Bunny, but with the looks of Carlos Tevez (and similar work rate). With Edgbaston chasing the game it was only a matter of time before Campbell’s enthusiasm and running punished them. An attack led by Campbell led to a penalty corner, which the skipper Rodgers slotted home a controlled drive that arrowed into the corner, extinguishing Edgbaston’s chances of getting anything out of the game.

 

With a number of players missing next week, Lichfield’s promotion credentials will certainly be put to the test. Rumour has it that Wrighty will even be donning a Lichfield shirt for the first time since that penalty miss at Italia 90.

Goal Scorers

Simon Rodgers (1)

Team

Simon Rodgers (C)
Paul Campbell
Ali Gardiner
Daniel Campbell
Lee Charles
William Davies
Steven Bailey
Jo Nightingale
Neal Critchley
Andrew Thackery