Unity F.P 3-0 Long Eaton United U19's

Monday 10th January 2011 -- North Midlands U19's League Div 2

 

U19 football is fast becoming a firm favourite with "On The Road" -- this was Kev's introduction to Unity F.P, and what a game he and I were treated to! It was a pity the rain kept on throughout the game, but the players didn't seem to mind, and both teams served up some cracking football.



 Shake


 Kick off

 
Roberto Labbate, Alan Avery and some bearded bloke!!

 
 Unity players celebrate Conor Croft's goal


No. 6 Conor Croft

Before kick off, Unity team manager Alan Avery along with players Berardo Alves and Roberto Labbate handed over their promised APTCOO donation. On New Years Eve, Alan said he would match the APTCOO fund total as of midnight. The fund stood at that time at £185.00, and true to his word, this sum was handed to me before the game - I am lost for words at times, but this has left me gob-smacked! How many times can I say thank you?? Not enough!!

Unity and Long Eaton are 1st and 2nd respectively in their league, and watching them, you can see why. Both teams play the game in the right way, and both teams have players who you would say could have a bright future in the game.

Home keeper James Elliott did well to tip a well placed shot over the bar in just the 3rd minute, but 60 seconds later his team went ahead after an almightly scramble in the goal mouth culminated with centre-back RICHARD DEAN hammering the ball home from close range.

CONOR CROFT doubled the Unity lead in the 13th minute when his 25 yard fee-kick from an acute angle deceived United keeper Scott Webb and sailed straight into the back of the net. H-T 2-0

Long Eaton almost pulled a goal back on 51, but whereas Unity's first half mad scramble ended with the ball in the net, the ball this time slammed off the Unity crossbar before bouncing away to safety. The visitors were awarded a penalty after 65 minutes when Richard Dean tripped a Long Eaton striker as he went through on goal. A clear goal-scoring opportunity? Referee Mr. Fryer thought so, and Dean duly saw red. Kev thought this a bit harsh, but letter of the law etc.. and Mr Fryer was being watched by an assessor so he really had little choice other than to dismiss Dean. Keeper James Elliott saved the kick, and rather than the score being 2-1, it was 3-0 just 10 minutes later when BLAIR ANDERSON converted from the spot after a Long Eaton defender had clearly handled the ball as he tried to break up a Unity attack.

Long Eaton never gave up, but the home defence, marshalled well by skipper Mario Lopez, never looked seriously troubled and the Nottingham outfit claimed all three points. F-T 3-0

The scoreline is a bit harsh on LEU, who tried in vain to get back into the game, especially after Unity went a man down - on another day they would have at least secured a point, but on this occasion it was not to be their night.

Admission £2 inc programme

Attendance - H/C 30

MOM - Conor Croft - given a role second half in the centre of midfield and never stopped running and tackling and generally controlled the centre of the park brilliantly. What an engine this boy has -- tired me out just watching him!!

Next up -- Gedling MW v Anstey Nomads ... if it stops raining!!!