Lichfield push league leaders all the way

February 06 2010 | Mens 2nd XI vs Melton | 3-3 Draw

Lichfield 2nd XI made the long trip over to unbeaten league leaders Melton in a bid to get their own promotion hopes back on track.

 

With skipper Lewis absent it was up to Clarke to rally the troops for what promised to be a difficult encounter, with the team talk being based around keeping the shape and remaining positive throughout.

 

Early signs were good with the opposing keeper arriving late and having no warm up, so the game plan was to get early shots in.  A short corner in the opening minutes resulted in an opening goal for the vistors, Mason’s drag flick was initially saved but Mason placed the rebound beyond the sprawling keeper.  One soon became two as Ndoro beat the keeper at his near post after a swift counter attack.  With Lichfield playing at a high tempo and moving the ball quickly they went in search of more goals but found the home defence difficult to breakdown.

 

As the first half wore on Melton started to create their own chances and pulled a goal back with a swift break of their own.  Melton equalised on the stroke of half time as an error in midfield was punished.

 

Lichfield knew a huge effort was needed if they were to maintain the work rate as Melton were not in the mood to lose their unbeaten record.

 

As Melton applied the pressure the defensive quartet of Baldwin, Clarke, Platt, Hepworth stood firm and when they were beaten Lax produced some fine saves to keep the scores level.  A re-shuffle due to an injury to Platt, pushed Mason into defence with Lambert coming off the bench into left midfield.  However from a short corner Melton took the lead for the first time as a direct shot beat Lax and Clarke on the line.  Rather than surrendering, Lichfield composed themselves once more.  Parker then levelled things up again with a reverse stick shot through a crowd of players as Melton stood and waited for a whistle which never came. 

 

There was still time for a green card for Baldwin for which can only be best described as a temper tantrum resulting in him throwing his stick to the floor whilst the umpire played on.

 

So 3-3 and Lichfield can take great heart that they have taken points both home and away from the runaway leaders.  More of the same effort will be required this week as they entertain Nottingham who sit 2 points above them in 4th place.

 

As always your support is appreciated.

Goal Scorers

Team

Paul Baldwyn (C)
Robbie Gleeson
Martin Clarke
Paul Lewis
Matthew Astle
Steven Bailey

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