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

Shinghai Ndoro (1)
Andy Parker (1)
Elliot Mason (1)

Team

Paul Lewis (C)
Adam Lax
Daniel Round
Simon Round
Shinghai Ndoro
Richard Hepworth
Paul Baldwyn
Nick James
Matthew Astle
Michael Johnson
Karl Platt
Andy Parker
Robbie Gleeson
Steven Bailey
Anthony Clarkson-Kearsley
Max Lambert
Elliot Mason
Martin Clarke
Dan Smith

Latest Results

U16G1‑2Belper
L13‑4Nottingham University
L21‑3Cannock 3rds
M22‑1Chesterfield
L42‑1Barton 2nds
M71‑4Wednesbury
L14‑0Bourneville
M22‑3Coventry & NW
L21‑1Bloxwich
L42‑2Stone 3rds
M73‑3West Bromwich
M92‑0Cannock B
L15‑4Telford
M32‑2Nottingham University
L11‑3Leek
more
M13‑1Edgbaston
M21‑0Nottingham
M71‑4Old Halesonians
L12‑3Burton
L25‑1Walsall
M23‑3Melton
M82‑3Lichfield 9ths
L11‑2Belper 2nds
M12‑1Northampton Saints
L20‑3Wolverhampton

Upcoming Fixtures

13/03M1 vs North Staffs
13/03L1 vs Charnwood
13/03M2 vs Players
13/03L2 vs Barton
13/03L3 vs Keele
13/03M3 vs East Midlands Division 1
13/03L4 vs Cannock 6ths
13/03M4 vs North Notts 5th
13/03M5 vs Nottingham
13/03L5 vs Cannock 7ths
13/03M6 vs Stafford 4ths
13/03M7 vs Old Halesonians
13/03M8 vs Cannock A
13/03M9 vs Barton
15/03VM vs Stressall
more
20/03M1 vs Mansfield
20/03L1 vs Hinckley
20/03M2 vs Coalville
20/03L2 vs Leek 2nds
20/03L3 vs Leek 3rds
20/03M3 vs Northampton Saints
20/03M4 vs Players
20/03L4 vs Leek 4ths
20/03L5 vs Leek 5ths
20/03M5 vs Burton 6ths