LRFC fell table toppers Wood
HINCKLEY’S Leicester Road FC got back to winning ways with an excellent 2-0 home victory over previously unbeaten Walsall Wood last Saturday, writes Greg Rees.
The West Midland team came down from the MFL Premier last season and having won their opening six fixtures are most people’s favourites to win League 1 and go straight back up, but the Road marshalled their danger men superbly and finished off opportunities this time out.
Crucially, they got into their renowned footballing stride straight from the off and quickly had a few chances, with skipper Greg Downes heading just over on seven minutes after a deft cross from Sam Munton.
But in a game that ebbed and flowed Walsall Wood then had a period of sustained pressure, playing balls up to their canny centre forward - who protected it well and then played in their midfield players.
However, it was all in front of the LRFC defence, with centre back pairing Callum Rudd and Callum Earls showing great understanding and remaining very strong and resolute throughout.
Downes again headed just wide on 28 minutes following a free kick and two minutes later Munton was also agonisingly close, while Walsall Wood’s chances were limited to set pieces into the box.
All was even at half time,
Hinckley Times Sport: Call 01455 891965 or email hinckleytimes@ trinitymirror.com £1 with Walsall edging possession, but Leicester Road creating the better chances.
The second period began with Walsall Wood again putting pressure on, but defending and attacking as a tight unit the Road were holding and frustrating their dangerous opponents.
There was a disallowed goal for Walsall on 60 minutes as Leicester Road keeper Will Highland was fouled after beating the forward to a 50/50 ball.
Lengthy treatment followed for the trusty shot stopper.
Reserve keeper Ricky Blewitt must have thought he was due to make his first appearance, but Highland managed to shake off the knock to continue.
The footballing chess match continued as two good teams probed for an opening, but on 75 minutes Downes fired in on the volley from 25 yards out to finally break the deadlock.
It was a magnificent strike and followed some textbook pass and move football from the Road.
Now in the ascendancy, Leicester Road pressed for a second whilst confidently dealing with all Walsall could throw at them.
On 78 minutes Mun- ton’s super strike was well saved by the Walsall keeper following good hold up play from clever centre forward Matt Langham.
Then, as the game entered its final stages, Leicester Road made sure of the three points when on 87 minutes fellow forward Nuno Gomes smashed in a second after more good hold up play from Langham.
Deep into injury time Highland made a stunning one-handed reflex save to keep a clean sheet and the Road certainly deserved their 2-0 win against a very strong side on chances created and some clinical finishing.