LINBY WIN AGAIN TO GO SECOND

Linby started very brightly when good move ended with a James Hallam shot from the edge of the area being well saved by Matt Rhodes, Rowsleys keeper, on 5 minutes.
Hallam then saw a close range header cleared off the line on 10mins.
Linby scored the only goal of the game on 17mins when Hallam was fouled 24 yards out and up stepped 16 year old Tom Hilton to plant a beautiful free kick into the top corner, giving Rhodes no chance.
As the first half progressed Rowsley started to play some good football going forward and on 30 minutes nearly had an equaliser as Tim Baker's 20 yard shot came back off the post.
Half time: Linby CWFC 1-0 Rowsley FC

Rowsley produced probably the best performance seen at Church Lane this season, full of invention and intent, forcing Linby onto the back-foot leaving them relying on counter attacks.
A neat turn and shot from the edge of the area by Noah Evans on 52mins brought a smart save out of Linby keeper Jack Leverton.
Then on 67mins a Linby counter attack saw Hilton one on one with the Rowsley keeper, but he lifted his shot over the bar.
Andy Roomes 25 yard free kick on 64mins was parried onto the post by Leverton and Evans follow up was brilliantly cleared off the line by James Duncan as Linby preserved their slender lead.
Another Roome free kick was saved by Leverton on 69mins.
As Rowsley searched for the illusive equaliser Linby squandered another decent chance on the counter when Hallam shot narrowly wide.
The visitors lost their discipline late on when on 80 mins Baker was sent to the “sin bin” for dissent which the Referee changed to a straight red card, as the striker carried on his argument.
Ex-Heanor centre back Adam Kay also saw red for a bad tackle on Linby sub Brad Lathall, leaving Rowsley to finish the game with only nine men on the field.
Full time: Linby CWFC 1-0 Rowsley

This was a superb team effort from Linby to keep a clean sheet and secure three points with all 14 players providing telling contributions. However, a special mention must go to Linbys “back 6” of Leverton, Kenneth Saunders, James Duncan, Ethan Fells, Lancelot Cunningham, all brilliantly marshaled by skipper Daniel Tring.
Although having played more matches than most around them, the win moves Linby up to second in the South Division just one point behind leaders Clay Cross Town, who we visit next week in what promises to be a “Christmas Cracker”.