Depleted Ingles dig deep for away win

EAST MIDLAND COUNTIES LEAGUE EASTWOOD COMMUNITY 1

INGLES 2 A STRONG first half performance from Ingles saw them complete the double over Eastwood Community and run out 2-1 winners.

Ingles came into the game on the back of losses against Kimberley and Barrow, with no goals scored in either game and expected a tough game away at Eastwood who had just appointed a new manager.

The cause wasnt helped as a number of drop outs on the morning of the game left the team with only 12 fully fit players. This being said a strong side was still available including a return to first team football for Tom Smith after two and a half years away and Reserves’ top scorer Mark Etherington.

On a perfect 3G surface Ingles started the game fast and were rewarded in the second minute after good work by Etherington down the left brought a lazy tackle by the Eastwood right back which allowed Rob Mulunga the opportunity to bend the ball into the far top corner direct from the free kick to give Ingles the lead.

Ingles continued to dominate with the front three of Hammond, Etherington and Hardy pressurising the Eastwood defence at every opportunity. Eastwood’s attacks were few and far between with a few pot shots from long range never really testing Buchanan in goal.

On 25 minutes Ingles extended their advantage after good work from Bowley at left back released Etherington who went round the keeper and crossed the ball for Hardy to tap in at the back post.

This confidence continued up until half time as the midfield three of Bennett, Schulz and Smith dominated the game and regularly released the full backs and wingers to cause problems. More chances were being created and Ingles were unlucky not to go in more goals up.

After half time is was clear Eastwood would come out fighting and this was the case. Ingles were content with keeping their two goal advantage and trying to hit Eastwood on the break.

Eastwood made three changes that all improved their side and began to create chances against a tiring Ingles who with only one fit sub and an injured Boult, were always going to be up against it in the latter stages of the game and relied on Buchanan making a couple of fine stops to deny Eastwood as well as Greeny handling Eastwood’s big centre forward.

On 80 minutes Eastwood did get the breakthrough as Etherington’s lunge in the box brought down the winger. The penalty was saved but after a couple of attempts the striker managed to poke the ball home and set up a grandstand finish.

With Eastwood sending more and more men forward and the Ingles defence lead by Jimmy Brooks managing to keep them at bay, there was chances on the counter and substitute Dan Bryans should have done better when presented with a chance from 18 yards but ultimately this didn’t prove costly as Ingles held on for a fine 2-1 victory.

Despite the drop outs in the morning and the limited squad available all 12 put in a hard shift for the club and more often than not when the chips are down like this Ingles seem to come out on top.