Town made it 2 wins in a week when they came away from Hall Park with all 3 points on Saturday afternoon. 2 goals from Liam Aubrey sealed the well deserved victory and continued the rise up the table.
Town went into this eagerly anticipated game on the back of a convincing 4-0 win over Anstey the week before and were able to field the same starting eleven. Town also welcomed back Piero Cossu and James Frost to the bench in a strong looking squad.
Nerves from the Town players were obvious from the beginning as Athletic took control of the game early on. Athletic lined up with 3 in central midfield and they dictated the tempo and should have been 1 up after 3 minutes but a cross shot narrowly missed the far post. Although Athletic dominated the first 15 minutes it was Town who had the best opportunity when Aubrey got to the by-line and cut back for S.Ramkissoon to strike on the half volley from 12 yards but the Athletic keeper going the wrong way pulled off an incredible one handed save to tip round the post. From the resulting corner Parry got to the ball first but his header narrowly went over. After the initial fast start from the home side Town gradually took control of the game and the midfield 3 of Silk, Ramkissoon and Mcdade were finding space and spraying the ball around the park. Town once again went close from a corner when Parry headed goal wards only for the keeper to tip the ball onto the bar. With 15 minutes remaining Town went close again when Hardy found himself 1 on 1 with the full back but as he cut inside his effort went narrowly wide of the far post. Town had shaded the first half and much the better chances but had to settle for it being goalless at half time. HT LA 0-0 LTFC.
Town began the second half in complete control of the game and once again the first chance fell to Parry as a shot from Hardy found its way through to Parry who controlled well on the turn but with the keeper to beat he dragged his effort wide. 5 minutes later and Town deservedly went in front when Jelly’s cross shot found its way through to Aubrey 8 yards out who fired into the top corner. The expected Athletic onslaught never materialised and Town continued to push. Parry had his 4th clear chance of the game when Frost’s shot was parried by the keeper straight to the head of Parry who directed it goal wards only for the keeper to get up off the floor and miraculously turn the ball over the bar. The keeper was keeping Athletic in the game and Town knew they had to take advantage of their dominance. With 8 minutes remaining Town doubled their lead when a perfect through ball from Frost sent Aubrey clean through and with the defender snapping at his heels he coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper for his second of the game. Then with 4 minutes remaining for the first time in the game the Town defence went to sleep and a free header at the far post pulled the game back to 2-1. There was still time for another chance for Town when Aubrey found Hardy 8 yards out but the keeper somehow tipped his effort onto the post. The final 4 minutes were backs to the wall for Town but they held firm for a well deserved 3 points and the local bragging rights. FT LA 1-2 LTFC.
