Venue: Hucknall RL Sports ground, Watnall Road, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire
Competition: CML South Division
Referee: Jon Dolbear
Scorers: Jack Allen (20), Kane Matthews (75), Rory Smith (90)
Line-ups:-
Rolls - Jack Walker, Greg Conn, Rory Smith, Jack Matthews, Aaron Short, James Duncan, Billy Brooks, Jack James, Jack Allen, Jack Smith, Chay Betteridge. Subs used: Jonathan Buckley, Kane Matthews, Ash Marshall.
Linby - Luca Rocco, Adam Fox, Tom Coupe, Matt Peberday, Ash Winfield, Terry Henshaw, Ben Samuels, Aaron Ryan, Matt Murphy, Joe Butler, Damian Mann. Subs used: Mason Frizelle, Kaylum Mitchell, Ruban Mitchell.
After seeing Rolls demolished by Hucknall Town on Saturday, we wondered what their reaction would be as they took on another local rival in Linby CW.
Linby were unbeaten prior to kick off, but the home team were really up for this game and never gave their visitors any time or space. Rolls had the first decent chance on 11, but Jack Smith fired wide from the edge of the box with all of the goal to aim at.
Playing aimless balls up from the back frustrated the Linby attackers somewhat, and one or two players made it clear that that tactic didn't suit their style of play.
Their attitudes weren't improved any when Rolls took the lead after on 20 minutes. Linby keeper Luca Rocco did well to save a shot from Jack Allen - the visiting defenders tried to clear, but Jack James blocked well and the ball fell straight to the feet of ALLEN who smashed it gleefully home.
Rocco saves well, but Allen (no.9) will fire home the loose ball
Jack Smith fired just wide again after half an hour, but Linby gradually got their act together Matt Murphy was just only just eased out by a defender as he tried to connect with Damian Manns' cross on 35. Mann was unlucky 5 minutes later when his near post low drive deflected out for a corner off the underside of home keeper Jack Walker, as he dived to save.
Rolls should have been further ahead at the break, but with four left to play, Allen skied a Jack Smith cross over the bar from just a couple of yards out. H-T 1-0.
Over she goes!!
Matt Peberday was booked for dissent by Referee Jon Dolbear early in the second half, and after a poor decision was made by Mr. Dolbear, the Linby defender voiced his opinion again and was shown a second yellow followed by the inevitable red.
The irony is that had the Referee made the correct decision when Walker had blocked with his hand after racing out of his area to block Butler's run, the home team would be down to ten, and Peberday would not have needed to call Mr. Dolbears integrity into question. As it happened Walker did eventually receive a yellow card, but only after Mr. Dolbear undertook a lengthy consultation with his Assistant, Steve Sears.
On 75, KANE MATTHEWS struck a magnificent drive into the top corner from 22 yards - the sub had received the ball from the right and ran unchallenged into yards of space, before unleashing the unstoppable effort. Poor defending, but a stunning goal.
Matthews was given more room to run into with seven minutes to play, and fired across the face of the goal - only a diving save from Rocco kept the ball out of the net.
Rolls did manage a third goal through RORY SMITH on 90, and this was just as good as the Matthews effort. The full back cut in from the left and let fly from the corner of the box, the ball curling over the despairing dive of Rocco. F-T 3-0
So Linby's unbeaten start to the season ends - next up Hucknall Town at home on Saturday.
Admission: £3 (inc programme)
Attendance: h/c 87
Charity: £2.25
