I spotted Lytham arriving in style in a very smart red double decker bus filled to capacity with their team and enthusiastic support. Having trawled through "t’internet" for info on our opposition I wasn't surprised to find that Lytham came into this game with some excellent form behind them. Flying high in their league and progressing well in the Hogan Cup this was a team that was used to winning. The weather was set fair and the pitch at LFA HQ in Leyland was presented in immaculate condition for both teams. A couple of our lads were carrying knocks and Neil had 13 players available to him for the game. It was also nice to see James Y, a team member who is cup tied and former player Tyler in the stands supporting the lads.
Ollie and Josh started on the bench. I think our experience last season on this ground certainly helped us in the opening exchanges of the game as Ladybridge enjoyed greater possession and territory. Cole down the left was looking like he really fancied it this evening. The first goal came after a slick move when James found our danger man Cole free on the left and he ran into the area and buried his shot low and hard past the keeper into the bottom left hand corner. Ladybridge 1-0.
This early goal certainly woke up Lytham and they promptly advanced themselves up the pitch and had a snap shot just go wide. Ladybridge continued to dominate proceedings and the best move of the half by either team was started down the Ladybridge right that found Dion in space and he whipped a beautiful cross into the box that James met with a bullet header which the keeper somehow managed to parry over the bar, it really was a top drawer save. Lytham started to settle in the latter stages of the half and a throw in found one of their forwards advancing, but his shot skewed wide into the side netting and shortly after this effort they had another shot from 25yards out that sailed over the bar. Ladybridge had further opportunities to extend their lead and the best of these started with Caleb finding Dion with a sliderule pass and his cross into the box found Taylors head but once again the keeper made another smart stop. Half Time Ladybridge 1-0 Lytham
Ladybridge started the 2nd half as they did the 1st and early pressure came after a couple of minutes when Ladybridge forced an early corner that Lytham cleared well. James was also unfortunate when he made a lung busting 70yard run to finish with a weak shot wide. The Lytham No 7 looked lively early in the half and he made a nice run on goal only to see his shot saved well by Conor. Ollie came on for Tom after about 10mins. The game was ebbing and flowing well in the middle of the half and our Captain Ben was tireless battling in the centre of midfield to good effect. Josh came on for Taylor. The next opportunity for Ladybridge started with a pass from Ollie on to Cole who just shot wide. Lytham then had a superb chance to equalize when their No 19 found their No 7 in space with a lovely pass and Ladybridge breathed a huge sigh of relief when this just went over the bar. Ladybridge often score after a scare like this and it happened again when Cole was found in space down the left and he promptly advanced towards goal and again he smashed an unstoppable effort past the Lytham keeper to make it Ladybridge 2-0. This lead was no more than the lads deserved considering the amount of possession we'd enjoyed throughout the game. Lytham however were never out of the game and Conor was not to enjoy a clean sheet this evening when Lytham were awarded a free kick on the left on the edge of the box and their No 19 stepped up and looped a ball into the top left hand corner which Conor could only help in. Ladybridge 2-1. Game on.
Lytham had about 7 or 8 minutes left to try and force an equalizer and their coaches and support certainly let them know about it. Ladybridge's defensive qualities were now called into question by waves of Lytham pressure but our defensive quartet were not in any mood to let anything or anyone get by them and Ladybridge managed to hold out for a 2-1 victory.
Lytham are a good team who certainly tested us today and I thought that their coaches and support were excellent, encouraging their team throughout the match in the best traditions of the game. The goalkeeper was their stand out player this evening and his save from James’ point blank header in the first half was different class! Ladybridge wish them all the best for the rest of their season.
Ladybridge deserved to win today. It was never going to be an easy game and although the last ten minutes was testing I felt we were pretty dominant in the other 60. Every player contributed and played his part in this game and to come through and win this competition that started back in September with over 80 teams in the 1st round, is a testament to good coaching and a very determined bunch of lads. Your coaches and supporters salute you - well done
There will be no report for the Ladybridge v Glossop NE match on Sunday 11th March as the reporter could not attend the game.
Gordon
