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WOUND UP GILBERT IS WAGNIFICENT

February 27 2010 | Mens 1st XI vs Chesterfield | 8-1 Win

For several years Lichfield have been in danger of becoming the WAGS of the Midlands Premier league. They provide the eye candy (Chopper), flirt outrageously (Webby) with the big boys and provide plenty of entertainment – but often they’re little more than an unwanted distraction to the previous winners of this league. Rodgers is adamant there’s something different in this air this time, and he is right.

 

After picking up a barely deserved point the last time these teams met, Chesterfield were out to upset the odds again, but that is as far as it went as they were taken apart by a formidable Lichfield performance. Although bottom, Chesterfield are not the whipping boys of the league and this 8-1 defeat was by far their largest defeat of the season.

 

Gilbert started the rout with a fabulous strike. The recently engaged centre forward has enjoyed a great season and is almost certain to be on the plane to South Africa come June. Davies and Gardiner (Joey Barton to me and you) worked the ball well down the left, with the latter laying the ball off to Gilbert who turned his man and smashed the ball into the top corner.

 

Chopper distracted himself with his own good looks, and should have doubled Lichfield’s lead with a penalty stroke, but failed to convert.

 

However, three minutes later it was 2-0. Tevez, the link up man for this fast flowing team, intercepted some sloppy Chesterfield passing to square the ball to Webb who made no mistake from three yards out.

 

Gilbert was brimming with confidence. Lichfield’s tormentor-in-chief with his frequent runs finished a move off with a nonchalant chip after Tevez had again done well to steal the ball from a Chesterfield defender.

 

Davies was again outstanding – his love of the game there for all to see. He skipped past some half hearted tackles and found Tevez again in space. He threaded an accurate ball into Barton who slipped a shot under the oncoming keeper. The move was slick and emphasised just how far Lichfield had come this season. Yes Chesterfield weren't on top form, but nothing should be taken away from the visitors as they dominated from start to finish.

 

It was soon five as Gilbert reacted well to fire home a rebound after a short corner effort from Waz. There was little to bother the back four and even when Chesterfield did make the odd foray forward, Thackery was commanding, Waz assured and Davies impressive at both ends. The half time whistle blew and Lichfield had banged in five without reply.

 

The message at half time was clear: Let’s endeavour to keep a clean sheet. It didn’t happen. Chesterfield got a consolation goal almost mid way through the second half but it was only a matter of time before Lichfield extended their advantage. A cross from the energetic Rogers took a small deflection and fell perfectly into the path of Gilbert who was left with the simplest of finishes to make it six as the keeper was caught out.

It was seven soon after. Waz picked out Tevez with a wonderful pass, splitting open the Chesterfield defence leaving a two on one with just the keeper to beat. The selfless Tevez squared the ball across and to Webb, who tapped in.

 

Talent runs through this Lichfield team and this was highlighted when substitute Lewis set up Campbell for the final goal.

 

Whatever plans Chesterfield had made for the match, they were soon in tatters. Melton travel to fortress Lichfield next week and neutrals will be looking to see if this performance can be repeated by such a clinical team.

Goal Scorers

Daniel Campbell (1)
Ali Gardiner (1)
Adrian Gilbert (4)

Team

Lee Charles (C)
Philip Wright
Daniel Campbell
Neil Billingham
Dave Pearson
Jo Nightingale
Steven Bailey
Neal Critchley
Andrew Thackery
Ali Gardiner
Paul Campbell
Adrian Gilbert
Simon Rodgers
William Davies