LRFC’s title hopes are rocked by shock defeat
HINCKLEY LRFC’S title hopes to a shock dent on Saturday when they slipped to only their second league defeat of the season at strugglers Northampton ON Chenecks.
An early goal from Liam Read put LRFC in charge but the hosts levelled on 38 minutes through Emmanuel Odiadi and took the lead just before the break when Gokhan Ulker fired home.
A second goal from Ulker midway through the second half secured all three points for the Chenecks and only their third win of the league campaign.
Hinckley were without the likes of key players Will Highland, Nathan Astill and Jo Lyne, but kicking left to right into the wind they adapted quickest to the conditions. Liam Read attacked the edge of the box and curled a sublime shot into the top left hand corner to put Hinckley 1-0 up after six minutes.
Hinckley continued to maintain possession with chances falling to Matty Langham, Tom Smith and Dom Brennan before Lewis Jones got put through one on one with the Chenecks keeper but his shot rebounded back on to him and went out for a goal kick.
Against the run of play Chenecks fired a long range shot that got carried by the wind before crashing off the bar and striker Emmanuel Odiadi reacted first, turned and scored to bring Chenecks level at 1-1 on 38 minutes mins even though Hinckley had totally dominated the first half.
Chenecks then perked up and took the play to Hinckley and forced an attack and appealed for a penalty after the ball appeared to strike a players hand. The referee gave the handball in favour of Chenecks and the resulting penalty was dispatched by Gokhan Ulker as the hosts went
2-1 up at half-time totally against the run of play.
Hinckley came out for the second half with the wind behind them but still appeared a little shell shocked after going 2-1 down.
Neil Lyne introduced Jack Beasley replacing Jack Harrison after 59 minutes as Chenecks started to believe in themselves and took the play to Hinckley. Matt White was forced into action on 63 minutes making a fine save down to his right to deny Chenecks another goal.
Neil Lyne introduced Jake Brown replacing Lewis Jones after 69 minutes to increase the attacking options but Hinckley were struggling to find their rhythm.
Chenecks attacked again and were awarded a second penalty on 73 minutes and for the second time Gokhan Ulker made no mistake from the spot to put the hosts 3-1 up and their defence held firm to earn three valuable points.
The defeat leaves Hinckley in second place, six points behind Harborough Town, but with two games in hand and a must win top of the table clash against Harborough this Saturday (March 26).