So here we are at the last match of season away against Rockmount. LHC had a fight on for third place and needed to match or better Sandwell’s result against Beacon to secure third spot and promotion to Division 2.
LHC got off to the worst possible start though. Rockmount pressed on the attack from the start and on 10 minutes a perfectly weighted through ball was collected by their striker who slotted home to make it 1-0. Matters were made worse on the half hour mark when Rockmount scored a header from a corner. 2-0 at half time.
LHC didn’t look with it during the first half and at half time changes were made with the team changing to 3-5-2 and a shuffle round of players into different positions. Straight away the change seemed to work. We started closing down a lot more and shut off Rockmount in midfield. LHC pressed for that break through goal but to no avail. Jemarl replaced an injured Robbie in the 67th minute and went on the left wing with Lee moving up front to partner Brainy. Within 5 minutes the change around paid off when Bob slotted a through ball for Lee who curled the ball around the on rushing keeper. 2-1 and the fight back was on. Lee then went on to score the equaliser in the 80th minute. Groves pumped the ball forward form a freekick, Webby then flicked it on with his head. Rockmounts keeper came off his line to collect the ball but Brainy put some pressure on him and the keeper flapped at the ball resulting in him dropping it. Brainy rounded the keeper with the ball and squared it to Lee to tap in. 2-2. Jase came on for Webby for the last five minutes after he had run himself into the ground and the team kept pushing for the winner. Brainy went close in the dying seconds of the match but his Achilles went and he couldn’t get a toe to the ball. 2-2 final score.
Not the win we were looking for and after the match all the players were gutted as everyone believed Sandwell would hammer Beacon. However, little did the players know that Linda had been in contact with Sandwell throughout the game and due to our match kicking off late we knew they had lost to Beacon 2-0. The news broke to the squad and the celebrations started. Third place was our and with it promotion.
After a poor first half, LHC turned on the pressure to earn a draw. Everyone put a shift in second half and it was a difficult call to name a man of the match. Bob seems to have found a new home in center midlfield, Lee was in the frame for scoring the 2 goals. The award was given to Matt though for his hard working performance in defence.
The only way to finish off the last match report of the season is to say a big thanks to all the players for the effort on the pitch and in training this season. It’s been hard at times during the season but the commitment shown by everyone has been second to none. Lastly thanks to Steve and Linda for all the work they have done behind the scenes in running the club. None of this would have been possible without their work. A short break now before we start planning our assault on Division 2!
