Lye down Shawbury

                            West Midlands Regional League

                               Lye Town v Shawbury Utd

This game was the pick of the fixtures in this division – top v second. I've watched both sides previously and both can play nice football although strangely,Lye began by hoofing the ball at every opportunity to no-one in particular whereas the visitors were trying to knock it about and it was they who struck first after 5 minutes with as simple a goal as you'll see. A nice cross from the right to an unmarked player to nod home. Shawbury looked very comfortable on the ball and were soon after a second goal while the hosts were steadying themselves after the shock of going behind. Still,they did calm down,began to pass the ball and got their just deserts with an identically simple goal of their own,the ball being crossed from the left,again to an unmarked player to head home.

The game then took a dramatic change with a Shawbury player sent off for what I can only imagine the referee construed as dangerous play. The home keeper came to collect the ball as the visiting player advanced. They collided, the keeper was injured( and replaced), the opposing player being red-carded.

Half-time ; Lye Town 1 Shawbury Utd 1

Lye began the second half in control,putting their numerical advantage  to good use but unable to pierce a resolute Shawbury defence.Some tasty tackles were going in even though a player had been injured in the first half and one of these led to the visitors being awarded a penalty which was spectacularly saved by the replacement keeper.This seemed to gee-up Lye and they were soon in the lead.The crowd were certainly playing their part,winding up the visitors at every opportunity and it wasn't long before the hosts increased their lead.Shawbury are nothing if not game and refused to 'chuck in the towel' and continued to take the game to their hosts, being unlucky on a couple of occasions. That said,Lye had a chance to put the game to bed but were foiled by the visiting keeper.

All in all a decent game which would have been much better with 11 v 11 but 'rules are there to be obeyed'.This result puts Lye in a commanding position but after celebrating enthusiastically at the finish,they would do well to remember what happened last season! These are two very good sides and I would expect to see both still at the top at seasons-end.

That lino's  either got a bit of dirt in his eye or he's

                                     wearing the wifes' knickers.

Shawbury missed penalty.

Careful with that ball, I'll be needing these over Christmas(hopefully)

Merry Christmas to all. 

Result ; Lye Town 3 Shawbury Utd 1

Entrance ; £3(concession)
Programme ; n/a
Drink ; £1
Crowd ; 100(est)
Ref ; ?