Positives to be taken from Luffs’ defeat at Ashby

LEICESTERSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE DIVISION ONE ASHBY IVANOE KNIGHTS 3 LOUGHBOROUGH FC 0 IF THERE is such thing as a positive defeat this was one as The Luffs looked a much better side, more balanced squad than the previous weeks dismal display.

They ran the Ashby side, currently sitting in second place in the league and look poised to challenge for the title, for three quarters of the game on level terms and might well have taken a first half lead.

Both Dan Poulter and Aaron Dawes tested the Ashby keeper in the first 20 minutes but he displayed a saf pair of hands to keep his team in the frame.

Ashby’s Jack Lawrence shot just over but it was one of a series of shots from distance going wide of the target as the Loughborough defenders Matt Whaywell and Matt Wright presented a formidable defence.

Loughborough were first to have the ball in the net, Kyle Dawes left his marker for pace to beat the Ashby keeper but his goal was ruled offside.

It was the Dawes brothers who caused the Ashby defence problems with their pace down the left flank but half time saw the score 0-0 with the Loughborough keeper Harry Burton making s full stretch save on the stroke of half time.

For 15 minutes of the second half there was still nothing much to choose between the teams but Ashby got the break through when Alex Frederico found the bottom corner from close range.

The Loughborough side wobbled and Jack Lawrence made it 2-0 shortly afterwards but The Luffs regained their composure and controlled the league high flyers but struggle to find the net at the other end. Jack Godkin had a chance to pull one back but he hesitated on the ball and the chance was lost,

Loughborough conceded a third but it was a fluky affair as a shot going well wide rebounded in the net off a defender to give a three goal deficit which flattered the Ashby team somewhat.

As the game drifted to a close the Loughborough keeper Burton made two remarkable saves bringing some words of appreciation from the Ashby crowd but another defeat it was for The Luffs.