Seventh straight win for Carillon 1st XI
KHALSA LEAMINGTON 0
LOUGHBOROUGH CARILLON MEN’S 1XI 6 CARILLON overcame stubborn opposition in the shape of an experienced Khalsa Leamington to maintain their position at the top of table and record their seventh straight win.
Carillon again started brightly and tested the home keeper within the opening few minutes. The first goal of the afternoon came from Steve Livingstone who finished off some lovely one touch hockey in the circle from the forward line.
Robbie Moulding then got in front of the keeper to tip in a recycled short corner to push Carillon further ahead. Though largely one way traffic, the defence had to be on its guard against several long balls out from the Khalsa back line.
Jack Sargeant and James Young frustrated the Khalsa forward line by intercepting many of these hits. However, some did get through giving the Carillon defence things to do but good defensive work and goalkeeping made sure that these opportunities came to nothing.
Just before half time, Carillon were further rewarded for their pressure with Ruaidhri Maguire finding space at the back post to tap in to take the score to 3-0.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Carillon doing the vast majority of pressing and Khalsa becoming increasingly reliant on the long ball which was easily cut out.
Matt Middleton continued his scoring streak with another back post tap in, a theme for the day, after good movement on the flanks. S
everal robust challenges, which were not penalised, followed from the home side with the aim of slowing the game down.
However, this tactic did not succeed as Richard Elms scored his first goal for the men’s side with a sweet reverse into the corner of the goal.
As Khalsa tired, Carillon were presented with many more chances to score, a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing cost them more goals, but James Whyte did hit in a well deserved sixth goal to round out the scoring.
Man of the match went to Tom Ward who had an excellent game in midfield, regularly breaking up play and launching attacks.
Overall, a decent performance against a tricky side who will cause problems at home for many teams in this league.
It is back to home comforts for the first team next weekend when they welcome Leicester.