Midland League Division 1
Saturday 3rd October 2020
Lichfield City 2 Brocton 2
As always in games between these two sides, there was plenty of skill on show, but also an intensity and determination throughout the players. It was cut and thrust in the first half hour with both sides threatening goal but neither able to go ahead.
A Josh Mansell run down the right flank and whipped cross for his fellow wing back Jordan Hunt, produced the best of those early thrusts, but the low cross fizzed across the box with Hunt unable to reach it.
Dan Lomas had Adam Jenkins, in the Lichfield goal, back pedalling as he tried to make the most of Jenkins’ high sweeping position with a cheeky lob, but the effort was wide of the target. Jake Thomas followed that up with a shot which had to be cleared off the line.
At the other end Adam Weldon produced a timely tackle as the hosts looked to run right through the lines and into the area, beginning the move right back on the edge of their own box. The move of the match came through Mansell again and this time his low cross was met and returned by Hunt. Only a fine block and clearance by Jack Arrowsmith prevented the strike on goal. Ben Haddaway had to replace the injured Jack Partridge Brocton were under pressure and when the ball, having been seen away from goal for a throw, was returned to the box it was a stab in among feet in the box which eventually beat Henry Smith and gave Lichfield the lead.
Will Heath came on for Josh Mousley and Lichfield replaced the impressive Dylan James Young with the equally influential Taylor Jones and Adam Jenkins began the half with a double save to keep the Badgers from drawing level. Alex Scott then replaced Dan Evans.
Another period of pressure as Lichfield camped around the edge of Brocton’s goal area ended with a short dart into the box by Luke Wright and Wright was found with a pass and mad sure with a deft shot past Smith.
A second felt harsh on Brocton and when Will Heath joined a Badgers period of pressure on Lichfielld’s goal, the substitute had the tenacity to get on to the end of a pass towards goal and prod it home. He grabbed the ball and raced for the centre spot.
Jenkins was needed then to make the save of the match and now it was the home side hanging on. They tried to hold the ball at their opponents’ end but to seal a cracking encounter Jack Weldon made the most of a final Brocton thrust, scoring with virtually the last kick of the match.
Bocton: Henry Smith, Adam Weldon, Dan Evans, Jamie Weldon, Jack Arrowsmith, Jack Partridge,
Josh Mousley, Jake Thomas, Dan Lomas, Owen Nolan.
Used Subs: Ben Haddaway, Will Heath, Alex Scott.
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