Linby CW 1-4 Hucknall Rolls Royce

Saturday 28th March 2015 - kick off 2:58pm

Venue: Church Lane, Linby, Notts

Competition: Central Midlands League South Division

Referee: Mr. Sam Kane (Carlton)

Scorers:
Linby - Ash Winfield (63)
Rolls - Jack Smith (22), Greg Conn (24, 50), Chay Betteridge (pen 70)

Starting elevens -

Linby - Luca Rocco, Mason Frizelle, Terry Henshaw, Matt Peberday, Callum Loydall, Ash Winfield, Ruban Mitchell, Aaron Ryan, Kaylum Mitchell, Joe Butler, Damian Mann.

Rolls Royce - Jack Walker, Greg Conn, Kane Matthews, Billy Brooks, Ash Marshall, James Duncan, Rory Smith, Jonathan Buckley, Jack Smith, Jack Allen, Chay Betteridge.

After the mornings heavy downpour, we expected the Church Lane ground to be slightly soggy, but were pleasantly surprised to find the grass firm underfoot and the pitch looking in superb condition. 

We are season ticket holders at Linby, but this was the first chance we've had to see them for a while. This local derby was a great advert for the non-league game, and both sets of players should be pleased with their efforts. 

It was another great day for "maggie's" as well. As well as the £3.75 for the goals scored, Rolls player Richard Harrison made a donation, as did Ash Ward from Linby CW. Thank you both very much - really appreciated.

It's getting towards the end of the season, but that £600 target looks really  achievable. So far, 95 games in, we have both put in £97.75, and my employer A.N. Wallis has done the same. With lots of games in April, I wouldn't be surprised in we don't end up with more than £600 - we'll see!!  

Linby started this game strongly, and had a great chance to go ahead on 18, but when Joe Butler cross from the left Ruban Mitchell connected well but hit his shot way over the bar. Kaylum Michell smashed the ball against the Rolls' bar shortly afterwards, another Butler cross catching out the Rolls defence.

The home team would rue their profligacy five minutes later when they went behind to a 25 yard volley from JACK SMITH. The striker hit the ball as sweet as a nut when it sat up nicely for him - Luca Rocco in the home goal had no chance of saving.

Smith's volley too quick for Kev!

Two minutes later, the Linby deficit was doubled. The goal came after Jack Smith had battled to win the ball, and when it fell to GREG CONN, he hit a terrific drive from 25 yards out that sailed over Rocco. Once again the keeper had no chance.

Conn adds the Rolls' second

It should have been three after 28 minutes, but Jack Allen fired over after beating two defenders to the ball. H-T 0-2

The second half was only five minutes old when Rolls added to their tally. The Linby defence failed to clear a neat Billy Brooks free-kick to the edge of the box and when the ball was played across goal, GREG CONN was on hand to stab it home.

With just over an hour played, Butler saw his shot from 18 yards pushed away by Walker as Linby looked to get back into the game. The home team were rewarded for their efforts soon after, when ASHLEY WINFIELD headed home Damian Mann's left wing corner at the far post.

Winfield 1-3

The home team were not in the ascendancy for long though, as Rocco had little choice other that to drag Jack Allen to the ground when the striker had raced into the box after controlling a long punt up field by Walker. CHAY BETTERIDGE stepped up to fire Rolls back into a three goal lead.

Great dive - all to no avail!

Linby never gave up hope though, and Butler brought out a decent save from Walker on 72, then six minutes later Kyle McDermott also fired in a shot that tested the Rolls' custodian. Jack Smith almost grabbed a fifth for Rolls with three to play, but Rocco was out quickly to dive at the striker's feet and end the danger. F-T 1-4

Admission: season ticket
Programme: £1.50
Attendance: 110
MOM: Billy Brooks

Charity: £18.75!!!!

Pics:courtesy Kev Goodman