Steve Livingstone goal secures Town opening day draw

STOURPORT 1 LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN 1 LOUGHBOROUGH made the long journey to Stourport, optimistic about the season ahead.

With a couple of new signings and a couple of debutants including 15-year-old Sam France, Town started the game well.

Stalwart Mike White had an early opportunity when he found himself free inside the D but blazed the ball wide of the goal. With both teams eager not to make the first mistake chances were few and far between.

Half time came and with the scores level Loughborough Town were confident of getting a good result.

After the break Stourport pressed higher and Town struggled to get the ball out as well as they did first half. A cynical foul from Leo Guy in the 22 led to him being carded and Stourport got their first short corner.

The corner brought the game’s first goal as the ball broke to a forward on the back post who had a simple tap in.

The goal sprung Town back in to life and they pushed forward looking for an equaliser.

Chances came and went and man of the match Hitesh Patel broke down any counter attack Stourport tried to launch.

With five minutes to go the ball broke to Pete Fitton at the back post - his shot was saved and the ball broke to Steve Livingstone who cooly slotted the ball in the corner to level the scores.

Loughborough had one last scare when Guy stepped over a ball at the top of the D not realising the Stouport forward was behind him but fortunately he passed the ball wide.

A good start for Loughborough and plenty to build on going forward to next week.