Sunday January7 kick off 10 am Mid Lancs Colts Premier League

The first game of the new year, and the fixture that everyone was really up for. The history of the away element meant that Lostock insisted on an neutral referee (aren't all referees supposed to be neutral?) anyway, the match kicked off with both teams really going for it. Both midfields were dominating the game and were creating chances at both ends. Following some fine work from Robert, Barney and Liam shots were flying goalwards, with the crossbar, posts and some fine goalkeeping denying the boys, is wasnt going to be one of those games was it? Lostock also kept plugging away and latching onto a loose ball they pushed forward and hit a fine drive past Tommo 0-1. The boys though, didnt let their heads drop and kept pushing forward with Liam again when through on goal being denied by a fine save from the keeper. Liam managed to get ball in the net but the referee had already signalled for a free kick , much to everyones dismay.

Half time and 1-0 down. The half time team talk from Andy obviously worked, as straight from the kick off the boys were in an even more determined mood, and kept up the pressure, going close with some fine efforts from Barney , Bradley, Robert and Liam. Still the ball wouldn't go in, and whilst seeing a lot of the ball and pushing forward, Lostock were still making our defence work hard cutting out their breaks. Eventually to the relief of everyone, (spectators especially, keep taking the tablets Tommos dad!!) a Robert cross was diverted into the net by a Lostock defender, 1-1 game on. Lostock heads dropped and the boys doubled their efforts, with Lostocks keeper making some really excellent stops (they had to be!). Our defence remained solid , and although Lostock really should have scored from one of their breaks, missing an open goal from 2 yards (should that be 1 metre?).Kyle cleared and Liam latched onto the ball just inside his own half and took off with 3 lostock players in pursuit, Liam kept going ,going, kept his cool and slotted home 2-1 (no Julie that wasnt worth a tenner, thankyou).
The boys kept up the pressure and it was no surprise we scored again, Liam again unleashing a fine shot, 3-1. Still Lostock were not to be outdone and Kyle and Matthew had to be on their toes. Nick made a great through ball for Liam to run onto and was one on one with the keeper only to be brought down from behind, the referee (who had a good game by the way) awarded a penalty. Up stepped Kyle, and everyone expected him to burst the net, instead he decided to place the ball and the keeper produced a fine save to his right (yet another one). Still the boys kept plugging away and following a foul on Robert out on the right near to the half way line, Kyle again took the kick, this time delivering a fine shot which despite the efforts of the keeper went in (made up for the penalty Kyle), 4-1, game over.

A really fine, fair and competitive game with both sets of boys producing a good game of football, and a fantastic start to the new year.
 

We've got 2 games in hand on the league leaders , this league not over yet, keep it up boys.