Foxes Development side lose seven goal thriller

IT WAS the first game back for the development side who had been on an impressive run prior to the national lockdown.

Before the game the teams were only separated by three points with Stoke being third and Foxes just behind them in fourth.

Prior to the whistle both teams observed a minutes applause in memory of chairman Andy Newbold.

The game started quickly with Stoke striking in the fifth minute as the shot was just wide of Abbott’s reach. Stoke continued to press on in attack but they were denied by Spokes who made a critical tackle in the box to poke the ball away from the Stoke striker. Foxes grew into the game with Taylor’s quick feet creating opportunities in attack. Not deterred by the weather the home side played a great style of football making shooting from their own goal kicks as they worked the ball up the pitch.

Totty gifted Foxes a chance to make it equal halfway through the first period with a cross into the box but the Stoke keeper was alert and managed to punch it clear. Having hit their stride Foxes got multiple opportunities through on goal but were held back as the flag was up.

Singh pulled Loughborough equal in the 31st minute as she ran onto a cross from Johnson and slotted it into the corner. Inspired by Singh’s goal Bailey and P.Gunn linked up well together but Bailey’s shot was well blocked by the recovering Stoke defender.

Totty had an effort herself forcing the keeper to scramble backwards to make the save. Foxes again were frustrated by the linesman as her flag was up again after Gibson played a pin-point cross field goal to Johnson.

Just before the end of the first half Foxes created another opportunity. This time starting deep from Spokes who’s ball forward was received by P.Gunn. The resulting cross was just out of reach of Bailey and Johnson in the box meaning that the sides were equal at half time.

Stoke again started the quicker of the two sides in the second half forcing

Abbott to make a save in the opening minutes and putting the ball over the bar not long after. They capitalise on these chances 10 minutes into the half putting away a loose ball and making it 1-2.

Only four minutes after Stoke scored Foxes replied as a corner is only cleared as far as Gibson who puts a cross back into the box which is poked home by Taylor to make it even. However Stoke were quick to respond, burying their next shot in the bottom corner to retake the lead.

It looked like Stoke were going to add their fouth shortly after as they were through on goal but the referee had already blown for a freekick and brought the ball back.

UHLSPORT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION HARBOROUGH TOWN 2 QUORN AFC 1

QUORN travelled to Market Harborough on Saturday in the hope of nine points out of nine following 9-1 and 3-2 victories in their last two games.

The game itself was very

Both teams were strong in transition throughout the game and Foxes nearly equalled the game as they countered from a Stoke corner. Gibson’s shot was smothered by the Stoke keeper. Foxes made their first substitutions of the game as P.Gunn and Johnson came off and were replaced by E.Gunn and Bennett.

Stoke managed to put the ball in the back of the next after a goal mouth scramble taking them two goals clear. Taylor and Singh continued to play around the Stoke midfield and create chances for Foxes.

With 10 minutes remaining Colledge and Bailey were replaced by MacDougall and Bijleveld. Bijleveld made an immediate impact breaking back and forth for much of the match with neither side registering much in the way of goal attempts and despite the scoreline Quorn did play much better in the second half.

The biggest thing to report on in the game was in the 45th minute and a tackle went in between Harborough’s Number 11 – James Ireland and Quorn captain Leavi through the Stoke defence but the flag was raised. Abbott was called into action late in the day making a great save to stop Stoke getting their fifth of the game. With one minute left of normal time E.Gunn went very close with her shot brushing the post.

Bijleveld impressed again making a rapid recovery run to break up the Stoke attack. Totty was finally rewarded for her efforts in the 93rd minute as her shot smashed off the bar and in to the goal. But it wasn’t enough to recue a point for Foxes as the game finished 3-4.

They have an opportunity to finish 2020 with a win next week as they face Sporting Khalsa who currently sit in 10th.

Oshungbure. It seemed a 50/50 tackle you see most weeks but the referee stopped played and gave Leavi a red card.

Down to 10 men in the second half, Quorn conceded two sloppy goals and although substitute Callum Ball reduced the arrears it was only a consolidation goal.

Next up is a home clash with

UCL PREMIER DIVISION

QUORN 9 DESBOROUGH TOWN 1 QUORN returned to action with a bang when they demolished Desborough Town behind closed doors at the Farley Way Stadium.

It only took 60 seconds for Quorn talisman Stephen Hart to volley home and put Quorn a goal up. From here Quorn ran Desborough Town ragged and never let up all game. Every player putting in 110% to be the first to the ball on the defence and continue to stretch Desborough Town and show the real talent the club has on the attack.

Every kind of goal was scored today from free-kicks, volleys, team worked classic goals to one man showstoppers. It was a very proud day to be a Quorn supporter.

Futher goals from Nathan Dale, Matthew Dawson, Brandon Fox (2), Leavi Oshungbure, Jurelle Phillip and Leke Shodunke (2) completed the rout.

A massive mention must go to the players who worked so hard behind the scenes during lockdown to remain alert and fit. Also how they put in a excellent shift on the first training session back on Thursday, December 3.

The squad truly remained a unit throughout the most recent lockdown period and kept their spirts high with Zoom Quizzes Together etc.

And credit to the amazing backroom team who worked tirelessly to get us ready to this point and get everything in place to keep everyone safe whilst visiting our ground whilst also getting the club prepared to play a number of games both and away.

It was an amazing to win in the fashion we did today but the true success story is how everyone has come together in a time we never thought possible.

Lutterworth Town on Saturday (December 19).

Quorn are able to welcome spectators back to Farley Way Stadium and 150 Maximum are allowed as a DCMS Stage 1 Game. Please visit the club’s Social Media Channels to buy a ticket through the club shop. Otherwise you can pay your ticket as normal on the gate on the day.