Town went into this game looking for their 3rd win in a week knowing that a point would cement their place in the top 6 for the season which after the horrendous start to the season would be some achievement.
The game started with both teams trying to play passing football and it was obvious Heather had a far stronger side than the previous meeting between the two. Town once again made the fast start they were looking for and within 10 minutes were 1 up when Hardy broke down the left hand side and his cross was diverted into his own net by the Heather defender. Rather than spur Town on their usual passing game deserted them with long ball after long ball creating nothing. Town’s first touch and crisp passing was none existent and Heather began to get on top. On 25 minutes a cross from the right was headed against the post and Smith pulled off a smart save to his right to deny the centre forward. The away side deservedly levelled on the half hour mark as the left winger was given far too much space to deliver a cross and Town’s defence stood still as the Heather man strolled in unmarked for a free header to make it 1-1. The game became very scrappy and very little was created leaving it level at the break.
Town’s management made it very clear that an improvement was needed and the players responded in the second half with a far higher tempo and some very slick passing moves began to carve the Heather defence apart. Once again Town hit early when Hardy squeezed the ball to Silk on the edge of the area and his shot went straight through the keeper to make it 2-1. Frost had an effort saved, Jelly had an effort saved, and Hardy narrowly missed the target as Town came on strong. Ramkissoon almost finished off another slick passing move and substitute Jayes dragged an effort wide. Town eventually extended their lead when Hardy was the provider once again sending Silk through to finish smartly from a tight angle. Town continued to press but were unable to add to their tally. Town’s second half performance showed what they are capable of when they play at a high tempo and was more of what we have come to expect. Town will now entertain champions Blaby & Whetstone in the final game of the season on Saturday afternoon. FT LTFC 3-1 Heather St Johns.
