A tricky away game for LAU against Kegworth Imperial. A must win game for the in form side who have been on a good run, to keep up with the top of the pack.
With LAU still missing players due to suspensions, injury and no comment, once again Faisal has had to make use of the big squad available to him. A great opportunity for some young bloods to make a name for themselves.
The game started with LAU trying to get in behind the very high defensive line of Kegworth, I don’t think they got the memo of the pace the forward line possesses. A few good balls went in behind for the likes of Kadir and Zak to chase but got broken up well by the sturdy Kegworth defence. Kegworth showed a lot of enthusiasm, sliding around on a wet pitch, winning all the balls, not giving LAU much of a chance to settle down and play their signature football. With Kegworth starting well, working extremely hard, capitalising on basic mistakes and a lack of cohesion on display from LAU. Kegworth won a corner, played short into their right back who crossed it into the box, a bad clearance, the ball fell to an attacking player who smashed it in. A response was needed from LAU but frustration led to players getting on each other’s back and there was no encouragement whatsoever. Hassan went down due to a muscle injury and was replaced by Ayuub. LAU picked it up a little with some bright plays to the wing from Ahmed Suleiman. Chances were created but with no end product.
You did not want to be in the LAU halftime team talk as the team were giving the riot act and Ali gave his version of the Ferguson hairdryer which was heard by the whole of Kegworth. Faisal made some tactical adjustments and brought on Abdi Block to bring some old wisdom to the game. And a debut for Abdulgadir coming on for Ahmed Suleiman.
The second half begins, with LAU coming into the game with a new attitude and a strong determination to win. Good football was being played as Kegworth resorted to sitting deep trying to protect the lead. There was a much more visible intensity from LAU, pressing high and winning challenges. Abdi Block was inspiring the troops who were down deep in the abyss first half. After 5 minutes into the second half, LAU win a corner. After practising corners in training, the players took on board Ahmed Duale’s instructions which Kegworth struggled with. As the corner was played deep into the back post by Ayub and Abdi Block was there to finish. The players looked alive, with Ali dictating the play and the LAU defence playing great football at the back. Kegworth were struggling with the tactical changes made by Faisal. Balls were consistently going in behind for the forwards to run into and the Kegworth defence couldn’t handle the constant onslaught. After some good play from LAU, the ball went into Zak who passed to Kadir for a finish. A well deserved second goal. LAU continued to dictate the play with Fauz linking up well with Abdulgadir who was having a great debut game. Always staying wide, available for a pass and trying to make something happen. Saacid comes on Khalid who picked up his game tremendously in the second half. As possession was kept well by LAU, the ball was received by Abdi Block who released Zak running into the space, great close ball control and a terrific goal scored by Zak. Kegworth look absolutely deflated and completely out of energy. LAU were playing champagne football, moving the ball from side to side. Late into the game, LAU went on the break, Abdulgadir receives a pass, runs into the box and squares it to Kadir who slots it home. What a fantastic team goal.
This was truly a game of two halves. Poor performance in the first half but a great performance in the second half which comfortably won LAU the game. Both Ayuub & Abdulgadir should be proud of themselves for making a difference. Abdi Block was immense in his productivity and settled the team down. Overall, LAU won again 4 in 4 and the players showed unbelievable character to get the W. Man of the match - Abdi Block
