The Luffs extend winning sequence to seven with convincing win over basement boys

LEICESTERSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION ONE EARL SHILTON ALBION 1 LOUGHBOROUGH FC 8 THE LUFFS had lost none of their sparkle after a four week layoff over Christmas and extended their run of wins to seven ruthlessly disposing of the basement team Earl Shilton Albion. All the early pressure came from the Loughborough side but Earl Shilton held out stubbornly for half an hour and very nearly snatch a lead as Jack Joyce slice his shot into the crowd at the near post.

But this game was only going one way as Ezra Hillhouse shot just past the post and Aaron Dawes forced a save from keeper James Gosticck. Earl Shilton has no answer for Dawes, his pace and strength cause panic in their defence and he forced one wide and had keeper Gostick a full stretch before being brought down in the penalty area. Hillhouse stepped up and put the kick in the bottom corner and The Luffs were on their way.

Dan Poulter forced a save from keeper Gostick who proved to be the busiest man on the field before Ramzi Puttock-Green sent in a low cross and Hillhouse converted from close range. This was a spirited performance from the team at the bottom of the table but they lacked the penetration to trouble a confident Loughborough defence as Joshua brown hit one high and wide.

The half was in danger of becoming the Aaron Dawes show but The Luffs showed variation for their third first half goal as Rammon Korpal squared the ball for the youngster Jordan Crossland to put the ball in the net.

Any thoughts of a second half walk in the park were quickly dismissed by Earl Shilton as they immediately went on the attack, centre back Matt Wright was forced into a desperate tackle and fell on the ball to give away a penalty.

Jack Joyce tucked it away and suddenly the game was more interesting at 1-3.

Loughborough stepped up the pace and put this game to bed, Dawes simple run through the defence to make it 4-1 and when Hillhouse was brought down he converted the penalty himself to complete his hat-trick.

Dawes helped himself to a second to make it 6-1 and a further penalty was dispatched this time by James Taylor to make it 7-1 and central defender Matt Wright made it 8-1 with a tap in.