11am Kick Off            5th November 2006

A sharp wind blew across the pitch at Southlands ready for a big game, equal on points, goals etc Longton came to stamp their authority on the game and Villa looked to rediscover the style and skill that seems to have deserted them of late. Tom M wore the captain’s armband.

1st Half
A lively start from both teams saw much of the play in the middle of the park, it was tough but fair. When the Villa did get the play to the wings they put Longton under some serious pressure with early shots from Greg, Jamie G & Sam all being saved in the 5-8mins spell. Villa won the first corner of the game on 11mins and Jamie G launched it in from the left but Villa couldn’t put a foot on the end of it as it cut through the area.
Longton won a free kick 30yds out, they launched the ball in and a well struck shot was deflected off a Villa defender leaving Will no chance of recovery.0-1.14mins. This was against the run of play as Villa had contained Longton to only one other shot previous to this and had spent most of the time in the Longton half. Max came on for Ryan M at 17mins.The midfield battle continued and Liam won Villa a second corner.
Again Villa had much of the possession but failed to pass & move and were caught out when a good run from the Longton attack resulted in another goal.0-2.28mins.The play was more balanced now and the Villa struggled to get their heads up however Greg had a half chance on 29mins as his shot just skimmed the post. The whistle blew on 34mins.

Half Time
The management asked the Villa to move the play out wide as they were “taking them apart” on the wings and it was only a matter of time before the goals started to go in. Sam was taken off and Smithy came on. The Villa were asked for an early goal.

2nd Half
They got one ….sadly it was Longton who got it. 0-3.90 secs in. Max was now on the left with Smithy in the middle. Smithy reminded the crowd that he is a prolific goal scorer and “scraps” for the ball and so it was from Greg’s pass, he scored Villa’s first.1-3. 4mins.Before the re-start
Kyle & Rob took to the pitch with Tom G & a brave Jamie A coming off. Max was now on the right and Rob down the left with Kyle at right back. The play was 50/50 again but Villa looked to have a little more belief after the goal. Max came off and Ryan M went back on 13mins. After another poor clearance into the feet of Longton they broke free again and ran on to shoot, it hit the bar and bounced down towards the line aka 1966. The ref couldn’t make the decision but took advice and then gave the goal.1-4.14mins.
The pace was ,surprisingly, getting faster as Alex won the ball and passed through to Greg who in turn put Rob through on the wing and Rob kept his head to score.2-4.20mins.
Smithy came off and Sam went back on at 27mins. From the throw in Rob broke free on the left wing, passed to Greg who it turn crossed the ball and Sam banged home Villa’s third from the right wing.3-4.
Villa really applied the pressure with Longton’s coach screaming “take your time” as the Villa pushed on as they had done in the first 15mins but it was Longton who got into the area as the 30mins elapsed and but for a great save from Will they would have had 5. It was a great shame that Villa lost concentration on the 33rd minute and they conceded a soft goal.3-5. Villa were already out of time to do anything about it.

Full Time
Everyone had an opinion but none of them would change the result. The Villa had shown what they could do in the last 15mins but tired legs couldn’t make up for what had gone on in the first 45mins.Still, next week’s another game!

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