Boots Athletic 4 Linby CW FC 0

Linby travelled the short distance to the new home of Boots Athletic at Watnall Road hoping to avenge a 3-0 home defeat earlier in the season. The management made two changes to the side that narrowly lost to Bilborough Pelican 2-1 the previous week, with a start for Kyle McDermott in place of Dan Ellis and Glenn Guyatt coming in against his old club for the holidaying Craig Lear.

The first half was a battle and saw some meaty challenges but few cards from the man in the middle Ian Smith. Linby created several chances with Cheeseman failing to get away a shot after being set free following good work from McDermott and Campbell. McDermott also has a couple of chances that missed the target.

Boots took the lead shortly before half time following a contentious decision from linesman Ian Kirk. Dave Elson shepherded the ball out of play following a touch by Boots striker Sam Winch, however Kirk flagged for a corner. Incensed by the decision Elson was booked. Worse followed as Martin Holt rose unchallenged to head home the set piece. Skipper Campbell was also booked for making his feelings known regarding the decision and the league's choice of officials for the fixture.

Following these bookings referee Smith dipped into his pocket on a couple of occasions to book rash challenges from Alex Bowles and Ian Marley. As the half came to a close, Jake Keetley came close to pulling a goal back. HT 1-0

Just minutes after the restart, Boots doubled their advantage as Scott Peach smashed a volley past former Boots custodian Glenn Guyatt.

Linby were given a liefeline when referee Smith felt it necessary to give a second yellow card to Ian Marley for a challenge on Ross Horton that was probably only his second of the match. Linby pilled on the pressure and put the 10 men of Boots on the back foot til referee Smith evened up the numbers. Sam Winch tried to spin Dave Elson as both players went for the ball to which Smith gave a free kick. As Dave Elson turned to go back to position, Smith produced a yellow card and sent Dave Elson for an early bath. Rumours after the game were that Dave was given a second yellow for dissent for the decision, which was then changed to persistent infringement, although it was probably only his second foul of the match.

As the game drew to a close Sam Winch beat Glenn Guyatt to a deft through ball to make it 3-0 and the same player made it a hattrick as he slotted a penalty away after a rash challenge on Boots sub Mickey Lucas. FT 4-0

Line-Up: (4-4-2)

Guyatt/
Robinson, Horton, Elson, Hargreaves/
Davies, Campbell, Keetley.J, Goff/
McDermott, Cheeseman

Subs:
Keetley.A (for Campbell 76)
Archer (for Cheeseman 80)

MOM: Davies