Late collapse sees Town throw away three goal lead
LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN MEN’S 1ST XI 3
BELPER MEN’S 1ST XI 3
IN A hotly contested game the result is one that Loughborough Town would have taken before the season, but were disappointed with on the day.
On a cold and windy day, Belper traveller to the Loughborough fortress with good memories from the previous season’s visit. However, this is not the same Town side that scrapped their way to safety last season.
This is a side full of energy and a hunger to win games and as such it was no surprise that an early short corner was converted deftly by Andrew Capel to put Town 1-0 up.
Some fast leading from forwards Fitton, White and Hatley exploited space in behind to give Town midfielders Fewtrell and Livingstone the opportunity to cause trouble for the Belper defence. Sadly despite a dominant first half performance the score remained 1-0 at half time.
The second half started well for Town, with man of the match Capel gliding through defenders with ease to secure his second goal of the game, from a great strike. As the game went on, the quality dropped from both sides and it became a scrappy affair. Short corners and cards for both sides led to a volatile atmosphere on the pitch.
This scrappy game was reflected in Town’s third goal; a hard strike from Capel, blocked by the keeper and bundled across the line by a fiery Sam Curd, whose performance in the game was passionate. With the game going Town’s way it seemed like the only question was how many could Town get.
Unfortunately the quality performance from Town was not to last. With 10 minutes to go, Town were caught standing as a Belper forward worked his way into the D with the ball and earned a short corner for his trouble. A lucky conversion had Belper fired up and Town shocked.
Just 30 seconds later that shock became awe as Belper slotted a second away. The game was now on. Town tried to restructure as Belper took the bold decision to put on a kicking back, and despite a valiant resurgent defending display Belper’s extra man was too much for Town to handle. One minute more and it was 3-3.
In five minutes, Town had capitulated a 3-0 lead and all Belper had to do was hold out for the final whistle.
A dominant Town display for 60 minutes was for little reward, as only one point was gained in the end. A hollow feeling in their stomach, Town coach Clarke reminded them of last season’s loss and how far they had come. Still undefeated they look to next week and hopefully their next three points.