Town went into the game on the back of a good cup win and 2 draws in the league. They also welcomed back Sean Ramkissoon, Aiden Ramkissoon, Ross Proud and John Mcdade from injury.
Town started the game in a positive manner and were dictating the play from midfield although chances were few and far between. The only real chance of note falling to Jelly when a superb 40 yard through ball from Hardy saw the striker clean through only for the keeper to save with his knees. Town eventually took the lead on 20 minutes when a deep corner from Cossu was met by Aiden Ramkissoon who headed back across goal for Aubrey to score from close range. This should have signalled an onslaught from Town but it went completely the other way with Hathern taking control of the game. Town were giving away cheap possession and Hathern began to grow in confidence and a free header from a corner saw a superb save from Smith in goal. A drive from 20 yards from the Hathern midfielder struck the post as Town were living dangerously. Another free header from a corner drifted just wide as Hathern finished the half dominating. HT 1-0.
The second half began the same as the first had ended with sloppy passing football and Town’s returning players beginning to look tired. It was no surprise when on 63 minutes Hathern equalised as a through ball saw the Town defence stop allowing the Hathern forward to round the keeper and slot into the empty net. Changes were needed and on 70 minutes Danny Smith and John Mcdade replaced Chris Jelly and an unusually out of sorts Scott Hardy. Mcdade immediately took control of the midfield and Smith started to cause problems with his pace. The game changed on 75 minutes when an off the ball clash saw the Hathern midfielder sent off for serious foul play. The away side lost control and a series of late dangerous tackles saw several bookings. Credit must go to Town’s players for not reacting. Town threw everything at Hathern striking the post on 78 minutes. A fierce drive from Sean Ramkissoon narrowly clearing the cross bar. Another effort from distance from Mcdade was narrowly wide. Cossu then broke free on the left side of the area but his chip was inches over. Another effort from outside the area was tipped wide by the keeper. With seconds remaining it seemed the game was heading from a draw when a clearance dropped to Mcdade 16 yards out and he hit it superbly on the half volley giving the keeper no chance at his near post. Seconds after the restart the referee blew for full time. Town had got out of jail but the management won’t care how the wins come as long as they continue! FT LTFC 2-1 HFC.
