After a tough game in muggy conditions, Olympique LMB had to accept a 3-3 draw against a stubborn Kings of Deon side, who were extremely physical and defensively-minded, with their main threat coming from rapid counter-attacks. LMB couldn’t find their rhythm or any urgency in the first half, and despite seeing a lot of the ball were often forced into corners or given very little passing option due to the close marking and poor communication. Kings of Deon struck twice in the opening 15 minutes as the LMB defence went AWOL, although the damage could’ve been far worse had Man of the Match Griffin not produced some brilliant smothering saves when one-on-one. At the other end LMB did have their chances with Brocky, Crozier and Pete seeing their goal-bound efforts expertly saved by the inspired Kings keeper. Just before half-time LMB began to find some movement and Chibbert wriggled his way towards goal before slipping a dainty tap around the onrushing keeper and in off the far post.
Kings of Deon began to falter in the second half as they only had one sub, but LMB still struggled to beat their keeper as Kieran, Toobz and Griffiths saw great chances saved. Griffin still had some work to do and showed some much-improved distribution, but LMB dominated possession without being able to find the final finish. With 13 minutes remaining the equaliser finally arrived when Kieran played a sumptuous through-ball into the path of Crozier, and his Twiglet legs produced a deft chip over the flapping keeper. With Kings of Deon looking shocked, LMB then took the lead as Brocky produced a diagonal pass to the feet of the unmarked Griffiths, and he struck into the far corner with a sweet low finish. Unfortunately LMB could only hold onto their lead for 1 minute as Kings of Deon fashioned a controversial equaliser, looping the ball above head height from an indirect free kick before finishing through a sea of static defender’s legs. There was still time for their keeper to produce some fine saves to deny Crozier and Kieran when one-on-one while Pete and Toobz saw long-range shots go close (well, in the right direction down the pitch), before the referee (with Spencer’s remarks still ringing in his ears) gave up and blew the final whistle.
