Town went into this game on the back of 4 defeats in a row and it was sure to be a tough test against a team with a 100% record so far. Town were once again without a number of key players and manager Clarke has been left frustrated at not being able to field his strongest side week in week out. Smith, Pullen, Proud, Sean Ramkissoon and Hardy were all unavailable for the game which meant another opportunity for fringe players.
The game began scrappily and it looked early on as if this would be a midfield battle. Both teams were guilty of giving away cheap possession and not working the keepers. The chance of the half fell to Barlestone as their centre forward just got to a through ball before Worrad but his effort narrowly missed the far post. Town were creating nothing and almost every time the ball went forward it was coming back just as quick as Barlestone began to take control. Town’s defence were standing firm and limiting the opposition to shots from distance without troubling Worrad in goal. The first half came to an end with neither keeper having to make a save. HT LTFC 0-0 BSG.
Both teams had a harsh talking to at half time and Town were certainly the brighter at the beginning of the second half. The midfield began to get a grip of the game and suddenly the ball was beginning to stich up top as the work rate stepped up a gear. The first chance fell to Danny Smith 10 minutes in as a neat ball was put through only for Smith to shoot straight at the keeper when one on one. Town were now in control of the game but still struggling to create in the final third. With 20 minutes remaining Barlestone were awarded a penalty when a break down the left resulted in Simmonds making a needless challenge to seemingly gift Barlestone the points. The penalty was struck firmly but somehow Worrad managed to tip the ball over the bar with his left hand whilst diving the other way. This was just the lift Town needed as they poured forward in search of a winner. The next chance fell to Jelly as he was put through only to put his effort wide. Then Town looked to have taken the lead as a mix up in the Barlestone defence lead to their centre half heading over his own keeper only for a sliding last ditch clearance off the line. With minutes remaining Fasulo tried his luck from distance as his dipping volley narrowly dropped over the bar. It was all Town in the final 10 minutes but they were unable to find the breakthrough. A point in the end was probably a fair result which left Town still looking for their first win but at least it’s a point on the board! Town now turn their attention to a very tough looking away game at Blaby & Whetstone reserves on Tuesday evening where once again they will be without a number of key players.
