New Division Four boo-boys Notts All Stars put up a determined and physical fight against a tired Olympique LMB, but ultimately possession, movement and a number of cool finishes from Man of the Match Patto allowed our plucky heroes to end on a high, and get maximum enjoyment out of their Hooters Chicken Wings as they said goodbye to Monday night football. The ‘All Stars’ raced to a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes as they hassled for the ball and took full advantage of some reluctant LMB passing and shooting (Brett Orbit Ball, 5 mins) to hit on the break, using the pace of their one good player to good effect. Selfish/ruthless finishing was what LMB really needed, and Patto came off the bench to score a 4 minute hat-trick, tapping away Griffiths’ lay-off before pouncing on defensive errors for two solo goals from long range, levelling the game at 3-3 as the All Stars poached another goal during the LMB comeback. Fletch set up Sicky just before half time to finally give LMB the lead, and there were chances for extend the lead further (Fletch Sitter Miss, 21), although Griffin also had to be on top form to keep All Stars at bay (Good Save! 17).
Although All Stars equalised just after half-time, LMB dominated possession in the second half as the extra subs and calmer heads finally paid off, although it took some time to show! Neil’s free-kick set up Griffiths for LMB’s fifth from a tight angle, and All Stars began to bicker and lose their structure, allowing LMB to create chances at will, although once again they failed to convert them (Brett Orbit Ball, 32 and Neil Sitter Miss, 35)! All Stars capitalised on this wastefulness to once again equalise, before an infringement in the box allowed Sicky to convert a penalty and restore the lead. Another spurt of finishes from Patto finally finished off the opposition as he worked a solo goal from the wing, before pouncing on a hesitant defender’s pass to make it 8-5. Sicky and Fletch both added goals in the dying minutes, before Patto claimed his sixth off the game from a tight angle, shooting across goal with the outside of the boot as Brocky set him free.
Thanks to Crozier for supplying the detailed match facts!
