Attenborough FC 1 Linby CW FC 4

R.Cheeseman, S.Goff, N.Davies, M.Whitehurst

Linby bounced back from two defeats to pick up three valuable away points at a sodden Attenborough F.C.

One enforced change to the line up that put up a brave fight against top of the league Clifton the week before, Kyle McDermott away on family duties being replaced by new signing Spencer Goff. Ross Cheeseman continued up front with Julien Wright absent due to trials for England University.

Attenborough started the brightest including a long range effort from Steve Oldham that just clipped the outside of the post. After 10 minutes Linby sprang into life, racing into a 2-0 lead. First Cheeseman nipped in following an aerial challenge by Goff to get behind the Boro' defence and lob over the stranded home keeper from 20 yards. Next a pass from Campbell found new boy Spencer Goff, who had ventured in from his left wing berth, to dispatch a 20 yard right foot effort into the bottom corner. Just as you were thinking Linby might kick on and dominate boro were back in it with a goal by Oldham from the penalty spot after Pete Campbell was adjudged to have up-ended a boro player just inside the box. Linby never settled for the remainder of the half with Attenborough looking the more likely team to find the net. Oldham, who was causing numerous problems, was unlucky not to equalise when leaving both Horton and Elson in his wake dragged his shot agonisingly wide. HT 2-1

The next goal was going to be crucial and with a change of boots or two at half-time Linby defended much better and started to keep the passing shorter which suited us. A nice passing involving Goff, Whitehust, Campbell and Cheeseman finally found Davies away on goal, with options to square, he fired home at the near post to give us some breathing space. So we thought. Within a few minutes Boro were awarded their 2nd penalty of the game. A boro tactic, of landing their corners on top of the keeper with their big guys attacking it, paid dividends when Linby keeper Lear pushed out at Constable. Oldham stepped up again and again placed it to the keepers bottom left, this time Lear produced a fantastic save from not a bad penalty. That took the life out of Attenborough and it was only a matter of time before Linby picked them off, which substitute Whitehurst did, finishing coolly when one on one. FT 4-1

A deserved win, flattered by the score line but clinical finishing proved to be the big difference. Nice for once to have a full and strong bench which can make all difference. Simon martin replaced after an hour so not to aggravate some nagging strains shows this. But after 3 departures from lads thinking they're too good for the bench lets keep this up and realise no team of 11 players will ever get anywhere!

Mom picked by the opposition went to Dave Elson, not a bad shout but for me just edged by Nick Davies, who in the last two weeks has rediscovered the recipe that made him such a success when he returned last season. Put the work and effort in, play with a smile and the rest takes care of itself.

Line-Up: (4-4-1-1)

Lear/
Hardy, Horton, Elson, Dickens/
Davies, Keetley, Campbell, Goff/
Martin/
Cheeseman

Subs:

Whitehurst (for Martin 60)
Robinson (for Cheesman 78)
Ebanks (for Horton 80)

MOM: Davies