Lincs FA 70s League Matchday 3

Elsea Park

19th February 2025

This was our second Matchday having had a bye on Matchday 1.

Having not performed very well in December, we reverted to a diamond formation plus one at the back. Although we conceded two goals in our first game, we looked tighter and ended the day with three draws.

Strollers 2:2 Grimsby AM 

First up was Grimsby Ancient Mariners, a game we led twice but gave away sloppy goals and ended up 2-2. Midway through the first half we took the lead through Frank Smith who turned and turned again (and probably again) before slotting home from the edge of the area. We held the lead into the second half before one of the forward players, coming back to help, stepped into the area whilst attempting a clearance. It was Smith again who restored the lead, receiving the ball about 15 yards out, he struck a venomous shot into the far corner of the net. As time was running out, and dealing well with the GAM threat, disaster struck when a pass about 10 yards out was intercepted by the GAM player who scored comfortably. (Old school - for 1 yard read 0.914 metres).

Strollers 0:0 Lincoln Invictus

Next was Lincoln Invictus who had beaten us 2-0 last time. By now we were beginning to settle in the system and we looked more solid. Tony Laughton linking the defence and midfield was playing well and enjoying a tussle with one Invictus player. The match was not as open as the first match and, although we had chances, the match ended 0-0.

Strollers 0:0 Boston

That left our old friends from Boston, always a close game, and thus so this time: a draw was the result. Again, we had a plenty of chances but failed to convert, but also Boston had their own. We did look a lot more comfortable playing the diamond. Special note to Kelly Sherwood who was playing his first competitive games for us.

Squad:

• Trevor Oliver GK

• Tony Laughton Capt

• Col Murrant

• Brian Dunkerley

• Kelly Sherwood

• David Groves

• Frank Smith