Can't sugar-coat this performance by Hucknall. Romulus were the better team in every department - and their passion and desire was 100% greater than that showed by the Yellows.
We know what Brett Marshall is trying to accomplish, blending a team to be competitive at Step 4, but unless his players show a little more ability and aggression and they are going to go into every game hoping that Lincoln United's result is worse than theirs. No-one, except maybe Danny Hayes and Rob Austin can be happy with their own performances.
Right from the start, Jason Fisher's goal was under siege, and only a few last minute clearances and poor finishing kept the scoresheet blank. Fisher had looked a little nervous, opting to punch rather than catch the ball when it was crossed in, but he wasn't to blame for the Romans first goal on 18. That began when the home midfield failed to prevent a ball from halfway reaching DAN O'CALLAGHAN, and the striker had plenty of time to pick his spot, giving Fisher no chance. H-T 0-1
The visitors' second goal came in the 53rd minute, and it seemed that the defensive wall and Fisher got it all wrong as DEXTER RAVENHILL hit a 22 yard free-kick that bypassed the wall and crept into the goal off the inside of the post.
Town did show a bit more endeavour after the second goal went in, but Peter Folkes and Liam Francis were huge barriers to get past. EVAN GARNETT did manage to break the Romulus defensive line on 72, racing down the left before cutting into the box and slotting into the far corner from an acute angle.
The fightback wasn't to be though, as 6 minutes later, Fisher failed to cut out a corner, giving O'CALLAGHAN the chance to nod home at the far stick. F-T 1-3
Of the three home defeats we have witnessed, this was by far the worst of the lot - Northwich and Kings Lynn are good footballing team, and although Romulus are not a highly skillful side, they wanted it more.
October should be interesting - Town have eight league games scheduled - four home, four away. Hopefully a few points can be gleaned from the month!!!
Admission : season ticket
Programme £2
Attendance 120
