Malborough United 2 Loddiswell Reserves 4
Saturday 28th November 2009

This local derby match verses Malborough United certainly lived up to it’s billing as, despite the weather and some incredible refereeing decision’s, both sides went all out for the win.

Playing against the wind and rain in the first half, Lodds found themselves 2-0 down when the long grass played havoc with two back passes, leaving Teaguey stranded and easily beaten.

However, despite this setback Loddiswell maintained their passing game and a move that saw in excess of 10 first time passes, resulted in Andy Edmonds almost having his shirt tugged off his back as he bore down on the ‘keeper – penalty! – Not according to the referee!

Although Lodds were having the lion’s share of the possession, the gap between the midfield and the defence was constantly giving Malborough the chance to break en masse. One such break left a United striker with just Teaguey to beat, and in the wet conditions Teague’s attempt to stop the inevitable third goal was ‘slightly’ miss timed and penalty number two was conceded – Not according to the referee!

Malborough’s disbelieve was almost compounded moments later when Andy Edmonds again broke into the box at the other end but failed to hit the target with only the ‘keeper left to beat.

Lodd’s went into the break 2-0 down but having played some good football in fits and starts. Manager Chris Guard in no uncertain terms suggested the Green’s could play better in the second half – five minutes into the second 45, they backed up the gaffers suggestion when Tim Stathers smashed the ball into the net to add to the Rob Tapper and Phil George goals scored moments before.

With Ben Rogers having come on at half time for the flue suffering Sean Raymont, Malborough were finding it hard to compete with the energy of Rogers and Stathers in midfield. Any attack they did mount was cleared up by Sam Elliott and Phil George, whilst full backs Shaun Rowe and Dave Harvey guarded the flanks.

Lodds could have added to their lead on many occasions, a long-range effort from Stathers - brilliantly saved by the United ‘keeper - being the pick of the bunch. The fourth goal finally came on the stroke of full time (or what ever time the ref decided to blow up on!) when Dan Hardy stole in at the far post to net his second in two games.

Despite everything Lodds can be pleased with their battling display, which keeps them in third spot in Division Fourth.