LRFC climb table with away win
HINCKLEY’S Leicester Road FC recovered from a very early setback to earn a hard fought and well-merited 1-3 away win at Ilkeston Town.
They conceded after just two minutes, but then for the most part dominated the game against their Notts hosts and boisterous fans – the crowd was nearly 600 strong – to run out deserved winners.
Straight after Ilkeston’s shock opener, LRFC were quickly into their footballing stride with skipper Greg Downes again leading the way with a couple of fierce drives that troubled the keeper.
On 16 minutes Sam Munton scooped a ball through to the overlapping Jarred Acton and his attempt on goal was only cleared at the death by some desperate defending.
Then Munton fired in from the edge of the box, but the keeper just tipped over, while the resultant corner was only scrambled away too.
On 22 minutes however, LRFC were back on level terms - and it had been coming - Matt Langham excellently holding the ball up and deftly laying off to strike partner Nuno Gomes (pictured, bottom) who fired in off the bar.
Five minutes later, confusion in the home defence almost lead to number two for LRFC, as the ball slowly rolled along their goal line for what seemed like an eternity, but it was scrambled away.
And then on 30 minutes Joseph Lyne had a great volley well saved.
Leicester Road keeper Will Highland was called into action shortly after when smartly tipping a header over and again clearing from the resultant corner.
Ilkeston were creating a few chances of their own now, as the teams went in all square 1-1 at half time.
At the start of the second period it was roles reversed, as LRFC this time scored after just two mins with Gomes on target again after being cleverly played in by Acton.
On 49 minutes Highland made a good save to keep the lead and Ilkeston began putting the Road under pressure occasionally, but Leicester Road were always looking more dangerous on the break.
Jake Holt was replaced by Joe Kennedy on 75 minutes – and he looked lively from the off – and then on 75 minutes centre back Callum Earls (pictured, top) got the decisive third goal when heading in powerfully direct from a corner.
The hosts complained furiously about the corner being awarded in the first place – and they had some cause – but LRFC were denied a blatant penalty moments earlier when Gomes was clumsily brought down in the box, so matters probably evened themselves out.
On 82 mins Highland again saved acrobatically saved and then beat the forward to the rebound, but The Road were able to see out the remaining 10 minutes comfortably for a win that moves them up to fifth place in the League and with some games in hand.