Single own goal defeat for Loughborough FC against Holwell Sports Reserves

LEICESTERSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE

DIVISION ONE LOUGHBOROUGH FC 0 HOLWELL SPORTS RESERVES 1 LUCK is not smiling on The Luffs at the moment, as they suffered a single goal defeat - and that by an own goal - late in the second half against Holwell Sports.

This was not the classic encounter like the previous week, this was a dour between two teams at the wrong half of the league table. Holwell began the better side Findley Bishop heading just over for the visitors and The Luffs keeper Jamie Doggett saved a effort from Stan Logan. Loughborough had their moments, Femi Ojo heading just wide and Xolano Megan was brought down in full flight the resulting free kick finding the side netting. Wiktor Ako’s cross nearly put the Loughborough side in front but the young Holwell keeper James Phillips collected the ball at the second attempt.

Ojo turned his marker and shot just over while Olaseni Sorunke was brought down on the edge of the area but keeper Phillips held the free kick well. The same situation reoccurred, this time Ako was brought down and this time the free kick went wide as Loughborough wasted some good opportunities to score.

No goals at half time but Holwell so nearly went ahead early in the second as Matthew Lowe went clear on keeper Doggett who was at full stretch to tip the ball around the post. It has to be said this was the day when both keepers Phillips and Doggett were the men of the day to prevent any number of goals. With The Luffs under pressure Sam Sterry tested keeper Doggett but he took the shot in his stride.

The youngster Mohammed Juma came on for Loughborough and gave an impressive debut drifting past one defender and shooting just past the post. The goal came after half an hour of the second half, a harmless cross with not a forward in sight as a Luffs defender sliced the ball into his own net.

It served to jerk Loughborough into action as Sayed Ahmed hit the bar for Loughborough but Holwell went straight down the other end and hit the post and it still hung on that one goal. In the dying minutes Sam Plant was brought down in the Holwell penalty area but no penalty was given and Holwell took the win with a sigh of relief.

On Thursday evening The Luffs travel to Kirby Muxloe under the lights (KO 7.30pm) and on Saturday away to Fleckney still searching for their first league points.