FC Langford 3-2 Sinclair United

FC Langford 3-2 Sinclair United
Burlow
Oates
Wyatt

FC Langford finally got their first win of the season and, at the same time, put an end to their horrendous cup record with a thoroughly deserved win over Sinclair.

The Pink's start could not have been any worse, with Sinclair breaking through and going 1-0 up without an FCL player even touching the ball. However, from that moment on, FCL took control of the match. They got the ball down and, for most of the first half, played some fantastic football. Despite being in control, chances were in short supply and FCL were probing, trying to get through Sinclair's backline. On 35 minutes, a fine through ball from Jordan Walsh put Scott Dalby in behind but, as he caught up with the ball, his hamstring went. He had to be subbed off for Josh Walsh. Disaster struck again on 42 minutes when Steve Lewis had to go off with an achilles injury. The FCL backline had to be reshuffled, and both their subs had been used.

The second half carried on in the same vein, with FCL on top and controlling the game. Their dominance and patience finally paid off on 55 minutes with Craig Burlow firing in a delicious strike from 20 yards which looped over the keeper and into the back of the net. The goal boosted FCL's confidence and they stepped up a gear and took a deserved lead 10 minutes later. FCL were awarded a free kick just inside the Sinclair half, and Jordan Walsh floated it into the box. After a save by the keeper from John Collett's header, the ball fell to Sean Murray who lashed a shot at goal, which got deflected into Dan Oates' path at the back post and he poked it into the roof of the net. Sinclair made a couple of changes and raised their game, and FCL's defence were subjected to some pressure, with a selection of corners and long throw ins, but they dealt with everything that was thrown at them. On 78 minutes, Jordan Slatter received a straight red card after flying into a challenge, and the referee deemed it worthy of a dismissal. 2 minutes later, after a reshuffle of formation, FCL increased their lead with a fine counter attack. Josh Walsh received the ball from brother Jordan on the corner of the penalty box and, with the ball bouncing nicely, he attempted a shot, but it was off target and it flashed across the face of the goal. Luckily, Brad Wyatt was alive to this and managed to divert the ball back on target and past the Sinclair keeper to make it 3-1. Sinclair pulled a goal back 5 minutes from the end following a through ball that split the defence. This sparked another onslaught from Sinclair, with corners and throw ins flying in from all angles, but the FCL defence stayed strong and held out to claim their first win of the season.

This game is the result that FCL's recent performances have been crying out for. The last few games have been played in the same way as today's, but FCL have been unlucky not to get any reward for their performances. Today, everything clicked and, barring the opening minute, FCL were in complete control of the game. A very impressive performance, with every single player battling to the end, resulted in a deserved win for FCL.

Next game: Home vs Bloxham, League. Kick off @ 14:00