Town went into this game on the back of 2 defeats including the reverse fixture against the same opposition. On paper it was a tough game against a team higher in the league and on a good run. Once again holidays and injury depleted Town’s squad that had skipper Tom Silk, James Frost, Sam Jayes and Ross Proud all missing.
The game began with Town trying to assert their passing game from the off and within the first few minutes it was clear that Khalsa had no intention of playing football as long ball after long ball rained down on Town’s defence. Town stood strong and almost took an early lead when Jelly had an effort saved and Aubrey’s rebound was just tipped over the bar. 2 minutes later Town did take the lead when a cross from the left found Jelly completely unmarked on the far post to hammer across the keeper into the far corner. It was just the start Town wanted but they immediately came under pressure but Khalsa were restricted to long range efforts. On 27 minutes Khalsa levelled when a superb first time cross from the left was met by the head of the centre forward who made no mistake. This spurred Town on and 10 minutes later scored 1 of the goals of the season. A neat passing move from back to front and from left to right saw at least 10 passes strung together when the ball was played into Aubrey who touched back to Jelly who took one touch to his left and rifled in a 20 yard effort. Town dominated the remaining 10 minutes but couldn’t add to their lead. HT FCK 1-2 LTFC.
The second half began as the first had ended with Town in complete control. Hardy was introduced for the tired legs of Jelly and his pace and link up play with Smith was causing the Khalsa defence major problems. A neat one-two with Smith saw a Hardy curling effort drift just wide. A Pullen long range effort was comfortably saved by the keeper. The goal was coming and just after the 70 minute mark it came when once again Smith broke down the left and centred for Hardy with his back to goal but he was able to turn and fire past the keeper. Town almost allowed Khalsa right back into it when a 25 yard shot thundered against the post but this was the home side’s only real chance of the half. Town continued to dictate the tempo and possession and with 2 minutes remaining deservedly added a fourth when Aubrey found space on the right he managed to pick out the only target in the box S.Ramkissoon who met the cross perfectly on the half volley to give the keeper no chance. Town even allowed themselves some fun bringing on reserve team manager Daryl Savage for a first team appearance but no sooner had he entered the game the referee blew for full time. A much needed confidence booster before Saturday’s semi-final. FT FCK 1-4 LTFC.
