Luffs pay the price for second half collapse

LEICESTERSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION ONE LOUGHBOROUGH FC 2 BIRSTALL UNITED RES 4 A STRANGE looking Luffs team turned out on Saturday with a dire shortage of players but they gave this Birstall side a run for their money and even took a first half lead before going down in a disappointing second half.

The Luffs began well taking the game to their visitors but they conceded a penalty with Birstall’s very first attack as defender Matt Wright mistimed his tackle in the area.

Chris Cain stepped up and scored but the referee declared there had been some encroachment by his players and ordered it re taken, Cain kept his cool and sent keeper Harry Burton the wrong way and Loughborough were a goal down early on.

Birstall geed up by their goal mounted a second attack but Burton made a good save while at the other end Jack Godkin curled a corner destined for the top corner and keeper Scott Love’s finger tips were needed to tip the ball over the bar.

The Luffs were soon on level terms as wing back Dan Poulter powered his way through the Birstall defence who had no answer to his strong running, to find the bottom corner and level the scores. Birstall were restricted to long shots with Ashley Jordan coming closest but his shot cleared the bar.

The Loughborough side displayed an impressive period of passing football for the second goal ending nicely with Joel Dawes heading into the net at the back post and they went in at half time 2-1 up and looking good for it.

The second half however was a bit of a disaster as almost from the kickoff Fred Young found himself free at the back post and forced the ball over the line to make it 2-2.

The Luffs were pushed back by this experienced Birstall side, Liam Derry signalled their intent but his shot went over the bar but given the chance Ashley Jordan found the back of the net and The Luffs were 2-3 down and a mountain to climb.

Keeper Harry Burton made the save of the game to keep the score line within reach but Loughborough’s regular second half attacks came to nothing as the wily Birstall defence kept them at arms length.

A late goal against the run of play by Juma Mohamad made it 2-4 and The Luffs continued their run of defeats.