Town went into this game high in confidence after 4 straight wins in league and cup. Town were once again without Sean Ramkissoon, Ross Proud and Tom Parry but welcomed back skipper Tom Silk to the bench after he missed last week’s win at Asfordby.
The game began at a lightening pace and it was Town making all the running. Jelly had already missed an opportunity to open the scoring before he broke the deadlock on just 3 minutes. Some good work down the right by Frost ended up with a bit of a scramble in the 6 yard box with Jelly poking home from close range. Minutes later it should have been 2 when a break by Jelly down the left ended with him squaring for Aubrey to glance wide from 4 yards. Town were in complete control of the game but were pegged back on 20 minutes with Anstey levelling with their first attack. A break down the left saw full back Simmonds left on his backside and a smart finish across Smith in goal made it 1-1. Chances came and went at both ends with Town shading the half. HT LTFC 1-1 ATFC.
Anstey began the second half strongly with the left winger causing havoc twice delivering perfect crosses for the forward to head over on the first occasion and hit the bar with the second. Captain Tom Silk came on and seemed to settle the nerves a little. Town began to push and once again started to create chances. The best of which fell to Hardy when a flick on from Aubrey saw Hardy with the keeper to beat from 6 yards but he put his effort wide. Jelly also had a glorious opportunity when neat football put him through on the right but he put his effort into the side netting. It was all Town but rather than grab the winner they were caught with a sucker punch at the other end on 85 minutes when Simmonds gave the ball away allowing Anstey to stroll through and slot past Smith in goal. Town threw on Mcdade and went all out attack for the last 5 minutes but couldn’t take the chances that came their way. Aubrey had the best chance when cutting in from the right but he snatched his shot wide. Hardy had another effort from the right of the area that also went wide. The game ended up 1-2 and it was extremely harsh on Town who had done more than enough to get at least a point from the game. They must now pick themselves up for the visit of Thurnby next Saturday.
