EMCL leaders Heanor didn't produce the goods when they played St. Andrews and Anstey at the Town Ground recently. They did today! Holbrook had only lost two league games prior to this game, but they have only played 14 games so far, so were in a decent mid-table position.
On paper this looked a stiff test for the Lions, but in the end it proved to be a well polished display from the home team, and a decent warm up for their upcoming Derbyshire Senior Cup game at Cheaterfield and Tuesday.....
Lee Stevenson replaced the out of form Ryan Cancellara in the Heanor midfield, and with Josh Royce and Stef Frost partnering Nathan Benger up front, the Lions certainly had plenty of fire power!
The ground was bathed in sunshine as the teams entered the pitch, but the temperature was only just a little above freezing, but with no wind to add any chill factor, it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Anyone who visits the Town Ground regularly will know all about the mad kick in that the subs have before the teams take to the field. Kev and I retrieved balls from the street on our previous visit, and the stand behind the goal has umpteen dints in it - testament to the accuracy of the shooting.......the question is then, given the lack of direction imparted to the balls, how did this net come off it's hooks? Answers on a postcard please!
The home team took just 10 minutes to take the lead. After neat approach play the ball went wide right and when it was crossed into the box, STEF FROST was waiting in the middle of the goal to tap in. Missed the goal pic, but got the celebrations.....
Simon Lillie in the Holbrook net made a couple of cracking saves as Heanor looked to add to the score, and it wasn't until the 36th minute that the visitors conceded again, NATHAN BENGER drilling home from 15 yards after finding room in the area.
Lillie did well to block Benger's effort on 43, but seconds later, JOSH ROYCE fired across the goal from the left and with the help of a deflection the ball ended up in the back of the net. H-T 3-0
Blinding save from Lillie
The home team netted again on the hour mark, a header from a free-kick in from the right was blocked but not cleared, giving JOSH ROYCE a shot at goal from close range. NATHAN BENGER added the home teams fifth in the 64th minute, firing home superbly after running into the Holbrook box.
Holbrook pulled a goal back on 67, a free-kick from the left headed powerfully home at the far post by DARREN RUSTON. Lions' keeper Mark Frost was left hopelessly exposed as his defence failed to pick up the tall striker. F-T 5-1
Holbrook pulled a goal back on 67, a free-kick from the left headed powerfully home at the far post by DARREN RUSTON. Lions' keeper Mark Frost was left hopelessly exposed as his defence failed to pick up the tall striker. F-T 5-1
Refereed very well by Mr. Craggs.....well done, Peter!
Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance 93
