In the final league fixture of the season, Lakeside went into the game making a few changes to the team. Steve Brown and Ben Simpson both completed their first full game of the season, with both players justifying their selection.
It was a hot afternoon and it wasn’t long before Lakeside were on the score sheet with Luke Robson volleying home after 5 minutes, following some good work by Luke Hitchman. Simon Brady was on hand to double the score when following up on Will Norman’s initial effort. Lakeside, despite the scoreline, were making hard work of the game, giving away the ball away unnecessarey at the back and squandering chances up front. On the stroke of half time, Simon was again on hand to provide Lakeside with a 3-0 lead.
Following words at half time, Lakeside responded well and soon found themselves 4-0 up, with Steve Brown scoring a cracking volley from outside the box on the 42nd minute. A long clearance from Rob Jones then found Simon Brady, who slotted home his third goal of the game to give Lakeside a 5-0. Lakeside, who were making the most of possession, continued to knock the ball around well and pick out players. In the 53rd minute, a corner from Will Norman picked out captain Luke Hitchman, who was on hand to head home from six yards. With the game won and the opposition tiring, substitute Eliot Harris was soon able to extend Lakeside’s lead further. Another substitute was soon on the scoresheet, with Liam Gould converting on the 67th minute. One minute later, Eliot Harris rounded off a good team move to score Lakeside’s 101st goal for the season.
Lakeside, with a much more clinical second half performance, came away with a deserved 9-0 victory, finishing the season in their highest ever league position (runners up). Thank you to all the players and supporters for their efforts throughout the season!
Man of the Match: Steve Brown
Managers Man of the Match: Steve Brown
