MICKLEOVER RBL 5 ARNOLD TOWN 3

The Eagles started the match against bottom club Mickleover RBL with three of the u18’s in the squad. Martin Bassey played from the start at his preferred centre-half position and with Harry Warwick and Pierre Vincent-Saunders on the bench. All three had played for the u18’s earlier in the day in the 2-0 win against Beeston FC u18, a win that took them to the top of the NYL Div1 Saturday table.

The game itself was another one punctuated with defensive mistakes; every time we looked to get a foothold back in to the game we let another one in.

After only 10 minutes, a defensive mix-up saw Jack Walker challenge an on-rushing forward and he immediately went down after the tackle. The forward rolled the ball in to the empty net and after a five minute delay Walker was unable to continue and limped off - thankfully the stretcher wasn't needed but he looks likely to be out for some time. Harry Allen donned the gloves a job he has done previously and I have say acquitted himself well - none of the goals were down to him and he made several last gasp saves during what became a very open game. Another youngster Pierre Vincent-Saunders came on following the change.

Mickleover increased their lead before half-time - firing home totally unmarked from a corner from close range and we went in to the break 2-0 down.

Within five minutes of the re-start Arnold should have been level. Tom Coupe headed home from a cross and then Greg Conn who had been dominant in the air all game was clattered by the keeper and a penalty was awarded. Resulting stoppage looked likely that Mickleover's keeper would be the second custodian to be replaced but he was able to continue and saved Ruban Mitchell's penalty.

Further defensive frailties saw Mickleover open up a 2 goal gap again in farcical circumstances; Harry Allen looked to have saved well from very close range and the game continued for a good 20 seconds following the save. The assisstant Ref flagged that the ball had gone over the line and despite strong Arnold protests the goal was given. Almost immediately Greg Conn made it 3-2 firing home from very close range from a corner.

Further defensive frailties saw Jamie Thomas conceded a late penalty for Mickleover to make it 4-2 only for Greg Conn to power a header home in added time to reduce the arrears again to 4-3.

There was still enough time for Arnold to commit another howler at the back for Mickleover to wrap up the game with the last kick of the game.