Linby CW FC 1 Wollaton FC 2

J. Wright

Linby went into the game full of optimism following a return of 6 points from a possible 9. Matt Keetley and Kez Dean made 2 changes from the win against Attenborough, with Nathan George returning to the heart of the defence, Dave Elson moving over to left back to cover for the absent James Hargreaves and Darren Dickens returning to partner Julien Wright up front for the absent Kyle McDermott.

Wollaton were out of the traps early and managed to pin Linby into their own half as they tried to defend the slope first half. It was to no surprise then that Wollaton found space in the middle of the park for Marks to set away young Jamie Carlton who finished coolly under pressure from an advancing Craig Lear.

With Hawkins strutting his stuff in midfield and controlling the game, Linby struggled to get a foothold in the game. Giving the ball away cheaply and not managing to keep hold of possession, Wollaton were able to rain in several shots on Craig Lear. From a partially cleared corner Wollaton managed to extend their lead. The ball was whipped in from right to left where Justin Whatmore had the easiest of chances from 3 yards. Despite appeals from Lear for offside no flag came. To make matters worse, Linby lost Darren Dickens to a recurrent hamstring strain and he had to be replaced by Johnny Scott. After an awful 45 minutes, Linby were grateful of the referee’s whistle and a regroup in the dressing room. HT 0-2.

With the management’s words ringing in their ears Linby came out the second half in determined mood and it was their turn to put Wollaton on the back foot. With Simon Martin and Pete Campbell managing to get more of a foothold in the middle of the park, it was Wollaton who we becoming the more wasteful in possession. Julien Wright managed to wriggle free on a number of occasions to test Flinders, as the Wollaton defence became hesitant. Linby were given a lifeline on 55 minutes when a near post corner fell at Julien Wright’s feet. He managed to loft the ball over Flinders, but before the ball could hit the net, Jamie McKeever stuck a hand up to prevent the ball crossing the line. The referee awarded a spot kick and McKeever was sent off. Wright struck his penalty weakly and Flinders guessed right, but Julien managed to knock home the rebound to reduce the defecit.

With 35 minutes still to play and with Wollaton down to 10 men, it was game on. Johnny Scott and Julien Wright were putting the Wollaton defence under constant pressure, but unfortunately the break through wouldn’t come. It nearly did come on 75 minutes as a half cleared corner fell to Simon Martin who’s shot was only partially saved by Flinders. The ball fell to Pete Campbell and his volley was saved at point blank range from Flinders. Linby knocked and knocked at the door, but the goal just wouldn’t come. Wollaton could have sewn the game up late on as when through on goal, the Wollaton substitute rounded Lear, but blazed over. FT 1-2

Line-Up (4-4-2)

Lear/
Robinson George Dilnot Elson/
Bradshaw P.Campbell Martin A.Keetley/
Wright Dickens

Subs:
Scott (Dickens 40)
Ellis (Robinson 50)
Corthorn (Wright 85)

MOM: Campbell