Laburnum 2
Clowne Wanderers 0
Laburnum finally got the second half of their season underway with a victory in a game that was switched to Clowne due to the state of Laburnum’s home pitch.
Despite it being six weeks since their last game, th
e memory of the 10-3 drubbing handed out by Hasland Devonshire was fresh in the minds of everyone involved with Laburnum and the side set out in determined fashion to put that right.
From the outset, the heavy, mole hill-laden pitch made things tricky for both sides, and with the home side starting better with the advantage of kicking downhill it needed a goal line clearance from Jonathan Stapleton to prevent them taking an early lead.
Gradually Laburnum started making headway with front men Steve Prime and Andy Brown proving willing runners and with 25 minutes gone they took the lead.
Dan Maskery’s corner wasn’t cleared allowing Matt Haywood to slot home the opening goal.
Clowne were still causing plenty of problems, but Laburnum’s defence was in miserly mood and it was almost 2-0 right on half-time as Fuzzy Sellors’ ball in to the box caused havoc, but Haywood could only volley the loose ball against the crossbar and over.
The second-half began in similar fashion, Clowne having plenty of the ball but Laburnum defending resolutely and looking increasingly dangerous on the break.
Chances were at a premium though, Tim Killick in the Laburnum goal producing a couple of good saves to preserve the lead before a superb goal doubled Laburnum’s advantage.
Haywood’s long ball was expertly controlled by Prime, who in turn fed Brown to beat his man and fire home for 2-0.
It was soon nearly three, Prime again breaking free before rounding the keeper but firing wide from a tight angle.
With Clowne committing men forward gaps were now appearing and substitute Dan Gregory had a couple of good chances, but managed to miss the target twice.
It wasn’t to matter as Laburnum held on to win and record a well deserved clean sheet for a solid team performance.
