We presumed that Champions Church would be a tough test and so it did.
LHC started out with some good pressure. The best of the chances falling to Robbie. A trademark Webby long throw into the box was cleared straight back out and then tried again with a nice placed cross. Bob managed to get a slight flick on the ball sending it into the path of Robbie, who's resulting shot was gathered up by the keeper. All the hard work by LHC was undone 5 minutes in, when Champions Church were awarded a freekick about 20-25 yards out from goal. The kick was taken and placed perfectly in the corner leaving Seb with no chance. 1-0. The flood gates then opened as within 20 minutes Champions were 3-0 up with 2 identical goals. Their strikers surging through the LHC defence leaving them 1 on 1 with the keeper. On both occasions Seb made a great save but the rebound for both fell straight back at the strikers feet and they slotted home both times. 3-0. LHC started to settle back into their normal passing game at this point and the majority of the half panned out with both sides having a share of play. Champions took their chances though and on 35 minutes a long ball was fired forward. The Champions Church striker chasing it down Seb decided to come and collect, but then stopped and decided to stay on his line. In that moment of indecision, the striker chip the ball up and over Seb into the goal. At half time we were 4-0 down.
The second half was a closer affair. LHC had listened to what had been said and the defence looked like a tighter unit. Seb also looked more comfortable in goal and again pulled of some great saves to stop the goals pouring in. Champions did manage to extend their lead with 2 goals. The first was another break through the defence to which Seb stayed routed to his line and the second was a long range effort that Seb saw late and could only watch as it bounced off him into the net. LHC did show how well we can get stuck in and hold off the opposition, which might well be a vital skill for the on rushing season. There were 2 main differences between the sides today. The first was pace. Champions just seemed to have it in abundance, especially with the majority of there players having less fat on them than Cheryl Cole! The second was finishing. LHC had a few chances but did manage to finsh them off. Champions put away most of theres.
This was a match a lot like the friendly against Junction 10. It showed where we need to improve so that we can hold our own against the best. Looking at the team we have at the moment though, LHC will be starting with an advantage over the other division 3 teams. Andy was given Man of the Match today for a solid performance at the back but Seb should also get a mention for not let the mistakes in the first half get on top of him and pulling out a good second half display.
Division 3 newboys Darkhouse up next on Tuesday with the experienced Dynamo Kingwinford the final pre season warm up match next weekend. These will be 2 good tests so that we can have a good idea of what the next season will have in store for LHC!
