Men's 1st XI Vs Loughborough Students 5

South Nottingham 1’s v Loughborough students 5’s

Match report written by Millsy in A and E

After last weeks defeat, South faced the difficult task of Loughborough students at Fortress Bingham, to get themselves back on track.

Once again, the tireless Tommy Crossland upset an opposition defence and robbed the back for South in the Loughborough half. His driving run and cross found Gaz Rich at the back post to slot home and give South the lead against the run of play.

However, a slick Loughborough counter attack brought the scores level a few minutes later. What followed was a poor ten minutes from south and some great saves from Sam and brilliant defending from Robbo, Harry, Tom, Fletch and Jim prevented Loughborough taking the lead.

Eventually the pressure told and a well worked short from Loughborough saw Harry unluckily turn the ball into his own net.

With the pressure on, South didn’t give up and against the run of play again a smart counter attack saw the prolific Tom Crossland score once again to make the scores level after the break.

As the second half began, South discovered their shape and poise and even more fortunately for them,Loughborough’s deserted them. A smart move found Ben Ryder at the back post but he couldn’t find his normal finishing touch to give South the lead.

More South pressure saw them win a short and like a postman Tom Crossland delivered the finish needed to give South the lead.

A long twenty minutes to go but the effort and battle from South was personally, the best I’ve seen. Robbo classy as always and setting the tone with his marauding runs from midfield. Ben, Will,Gaz, Fletch and Joey tireless on the wings and incredible selfless running from the front the skipper Gaz Bland up front. Mills even prepared to give blood and a two hour visit to A and E to the cause. This fight and resilience to hold on, which deserted South at the same point of the season last year, shows the improvement they have made for their most impressive result of the season so far.

3-2 win