Ellistown And Ibstock Utd v Arnold Town

Ellistown and Ibstock Utd ensured league survival by beating Arnold Town 2-0 in this relegation six pointer.

We started the night needing a single point but approached the game looking for 3.

We could have been 3-0 up after 5 minutes as we peppered the Arnold goal.

Instead we were 1-0 up after 5 minutes as Adie Whitmore slotted home from close range.

EIBS 1-0 AT 5 mins

At this point, it looked like it was going to be a long night for Arnold as chances were coming at the rate of 1 per minute.

Credit must go to Arnold whose goalkeeper was fantastic and the team never gave up.

Then after 20 mins the game changed.

The fast start has taken it's toil on EIBS and we moved down a couple of gears. This allowed Arnold to come back into the game and it was them who were looking threating and only a goal line clearance from our Captain Carl Timms making his last appearance for the club stopped Arnold equalising.

For the rest of the half, the game ebbed and flowed but amazingly there were no further goals.

EIBS 1-0 AT HT

The second half started with EIBS on the front foot but Arnold who needed to win were hitting us on the break. This made for a tense half of football.

Both sides had enough chances to sore a bucket full and the football on display was a credit to both sides and the league. Those who stayed away to watch the Champions League picked the wrong game.

We finally put the game to bed on 72 minutes when Oliver Wood who was laying on the floor, scored when a shot hit his backside and wrong footed the goalkeeper to make it.

EIBS 2-0 AT 72 mins

Again credit to Arnold, they never gave up and went at EIBS and it was our turn to defend for the remaining minutes.

Arnold deserved a goal but for the 1st time this season, luck was on our side as we held out to make the final score.

EIBS 2-0 AT FT

Summary

A great game of football played in the right spirit. We achieved the win that ensures our safety as we finished in 17th place on 29pts from 36 games.

It's been a long hard season and all connected with the club can be proud of how Darren Price and his team recovered from a poor start to finish clear of the relegation spots.

We now dust ourselves down, learn from this season and start planning for next season.

So have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you again for pre-season.