Tuesday 14th My 2013 - CML South Division - kick-off 7:46pm
A "CAR PARK FULL" sign greeted me as I pulled up to the Church Lane ground at 6:10pm - a large crowd was expected according to Linby tweets - and with the car park not especially huge, this was no surprise. Parked a few yards down the road and walked to the ground with Chris Berezai who had parked just a few yards in front of me. Light rain accompanied us, and with little cover at pitch-side, umbrellas were the order of the day.
What was somewhat surprising was that their were no programmes left - surprising that with a large crowd expected only 40 copies were printed.
Kev couldn't make the 6:30pm kick off, so I spent the first half in the company of Sam Hodkin and Rob Waite - until that is that Mr "the66pow" decided to go and take some pictures from around the ground. The pics are most welcome Mr. Waite.
For the second half I was with Linby defender Michael Banister's dad Dave and Mr. Blidworth Welfare Scott Ward.
Sutton were hoping that a three point haul would take them one step closer to the CMLS title. Needing 7 points from their remaining four games, victory was not imperative, but after just 5 minutes they powered ahead, GARY ATKINS sending a delightful lob over Linby keeper Scott Miles.
Kev couldn't make the 6:30pm kick off, so I spent the first half in the company of Sam Hodkin and Rob Waite - until that is that Mr "the66pow" decided to go and take some pictures from around the ground. The pics are most welcome Mr. Waite.
Left to right - Sam Hodkin, yours truly, Michael Banister, Craig Mitchell
Definite brolly time!!
For the second half I was with Linby defender Michael Banister's dad Dave and Mr. Blidworth Welfare Scott Ward.
Mr. Langton leading out the teams
Sutton were hoping that a three point haul would take them one step closer to the CMLS title. Needing 7 points from their remaining four games, victory was not imperative, but after just 5 minutes they powered ahead, GARY ATKINS sending a delightful lob over Linby keeper Scott Miles.
Linby fought back and had efforts that struck both posts before Sutton increased their lead on 33. JAMES WHITEHEAD, running through the midfield, controlled the ball well before sending a powerful volley past Miles and into the roof of the net.
In the 43rd minute, Andy White won a free-kick some 22 yards from goal - Aaron Ryan adjudged to have fouled the big striker. Aaron had a chip at Referee Craig Langton and was shown a yellow. He then allegedly called Mr. Langton a c*** and earned a straight red. NATHAN HOLDSWORTH fired the free-kick low and hard into the back of the Linby net despite Miles getting a hand to the ball. H-T 0-3
The rain was pouring down by now, and shelter was sought under the eaves of the clubhouse - when is this weather going to improve?
Linby midfielder ASHLEY WINFIELD hit a stunning 30+ yard piledriver past Sutton keeper Gav Saxby on 53, and Linby, although down to 10 men were looking the better team. Unfortunately they were undone again on 63 when WHITEHEAD prodded home after Miles had saved the initial shot.
WHITEHEAD completed an unlikely treble in the 77th minute, slotting home at the far stick. James used to score quite regularly when he played for Eastwood a few years ago - but I can't remember him scoring twice in a game, never mind three times!
Linby had the last word as far as the scoring goes, BAZ PAYNE tapping in from close range, although the ball hit both posts before crossing the line. F-T 2-5
Admission - complimentary ( thanks Ade!)
Attendance - rough count 100
Referee Craig Langton. I'll mark Craig down for not saying hello - apart from that he was his usual competent self....the booking of Linby's Mike Banister was a tad harsh - it was the whole of the Linby back line offering the ironic cheers after a decision went their way - Banno singled out probably as he was the most vocal !!
