Nathan (Goal Keeper)

George & Ashley (Defence)

Ben (Centre midfield)       

Leon (Left Wing/midfield)

Samuel (Right Wing/midfield)

Euan (Striker)

Owen, Finley & Harvey (Subs)

This was a crucial game for Long Eaton following their defeat to Netherfield the previous week.

Long Eaton kicked off with real confidence and got off to the perfect start when on three minutes, Samuel swung in a corner that Leon volleyed in superbly.

Both teams settled into the match and played some attractive football, the Long Eaton team was passing the ball around quite effectively with Calverton relying heavily on their strong number seven to create their chances and on eight minutes it was their number seven who got their equaliser.

On twelve minutes, following some excellent play, Euan scored a terrific headed goal to make it two one. Eight minutes later, Samuel drove in a powerful shot that took a slight deflection to make it three one.

Half time score 3 v 1.

Both teams came out fired up looking for more goals and it was Samuel who scored his second nine minutes from the restart.

It was always going to be difficult for Calverton to comeback with the Long Eaton team determined to get back to winning ways.

Calverton did get a goal back with twelve minutes to go but was unable to add further goals against a resolute Long Eaton team.

Final Score 4 v 2.

In summary, a good performance and a much needed win for the Long Eaton team and their supporters.

The support for both teams was tremendous and Long Eaton would like to wish Calverton MW all the best for the remainder of the season.

Starting Line-Up:        

Nathan (Goal Keeper)

George & Ashley (Defence)

Ben (Centre midfield)

Leon (Left Wing/midfield)

Samuel (Right Wing/midfield)

Euan (Striker)

Owen & Finley (Subs)

Long Eaton was looking to get back to winning ways following their one all draw against Wilford in the previous match. The weather was cool, with a very strong wind.

Long Eaton kicked off with the wind in their faces and both teams found it difficult.

Netherfield looked to use the wind to their advantage and fired in a number of shots from distance. Nathan in the Long Eaton goal was on top form and pulled off a string of quality saves throughout the game.

Long Eaton worked hard to create chances and was unfortunate not to turn the chances into goals.

On 16 minutes, Netherfield took the lead with a shot from distance, helped on by the wind, the ball bouncing through into the net.

Long Eaton continued to work hard against the conditions but was unable to get the all important equaliser.

Half time score 1 v 0.

Long Eaton started the second half with their usual determination and the wind behind them but was unable to use the conditions to their advantage, again creating chances but without scoring the goals.

The Netherfield team was coping well with the conditions and 16 minutes from the restart scored their second goal. Two minutes later Samuel got a goal back to get the boys back in the game and give them a lift.

Long Eaton went after the equaliser but it was Netherfield who scored two goals in quick succession to kill the game off.

Final Score 4 v 1.

In summary, the score does not reflect the closeness of this game. The game was played out between two teams battling it out at the top of the table and under some difficult weather conditions.

Starting line up; Max, Jack (captain), Lilly, Matthew, Sam, Jarrett, Oscar

It normally takes our lot a few minutes to find their feet before they start performing…not this week! From the whistle they were on their toes, a good start. Within the first few minutes Long Eaton were piling the pressure on by closing down and winning 50/50 tackles to win 2 corners within the first few minutes.

The second one resulting in a shot from Oscar going just wide, we were buzzing. The next few minutes saw great efforts from Jarrett and an excellent well-timed break by Sam to find Oscar who slipped the ball to Jarrett who could quite catch it before it ran out. We only had to wait a few more minutes though, because on the 6th minute Jack unleashed a great shot that ended up in the path of Oscar to pick up his 20th of the season, he doesn’t miss those! 1-0 Long Eaton

Max (GK, C), Lily, Jack, Sam, Matthew, Jarrett, Oscar

Dunkirk kicked off with the wind in their favour! Both teams were playing attacking football but for Long Eaton Matthew got the first attempt on goal after 4 minutes. Dunkirk swiftly retaliated with their own forwards pushing up, Jack did some excellent defending but they kept on pushing (with the help of that wind!) and eventually got one in on the 7 minute mark.

Zak came on for Sam who received a nasty knock (plenty more of them in this match!) Long Eaton’s k/o ended up straight back at our goal and Max had to perform a super save! Matthew took a lovely free-kick which was heading straight in, until that *beep* wind took it wide. Dunkirk were back at it and Jack aided Max at the 6 yard box with a great header to prevent a goal.

The defenders and attackers on each side had to work non-stop and nothing was giving; Oscar had a good run down the wing but their defender was there again – could we get a goal back? The second-half saw the wind in our favour (although not as strong as it had been!) and Sam back on. Apart from the one-sided parental jeering (stay cool Ref) both sides were equally matched again and not many opportunities came up – except the one that counted! – Matthew hit the cross-bar; the rebound went to Oscar – GOAL! 1 – 1 We couldn’t let them win that one – well done to all, a hard and fast game.

GAME 2 Matthew (GK), Hannah (C), Zak, Matthew W, Matthew K, William, Max, Lee (8 a-side, I know it confused me too!)

An evenly matched game but Max took us in the lead straight away. The second-half (I know I missed most of the first-half – sack me!) saw squad changes of George, and Matthew S on for Zak and Matthew K. Dunkirk managed to get their equaliser (must have been the wind!) before Max came off for Zak and Lily on for Hannah. 1 – 1

A great effort from Long Eaton to stay square with Dunkirk.