Weren't too sure where to go, so took the easy option - making the very short trip to Church Lane, Linby. Journey time 5 minutes!
Met up with Steve Peat inside the ground - he is weighing up his options after reluctantly deciding to leave troubled Hucknall Town. Steve has had offers to join several clubs - with Eastwood and Linby the front runners at the moment.
No. 90 - raffle winner - nice bottle of wine for Mrs. Kev!
Bitterly cold afternoon, the bright sunshine was a bit deceiving! Certainly eye-watering in the brisk breeze!! Still, with the two o'clock kick off we were back home in the warm before four!
Linby line up: McNeil, Dakers (Coupe), Henshaw, Banister, Jago, Niblett, Burke, Ryan (Marlow S), Murphy, Start ( Payne), Marlow D
The first chance for Linby fell to Matt Murphy after just three minutes had been played. The striker was gifted possession by a defender, but could only watch in anguish as his well struck effort crashed off the United bar.
Muphy picked out Andy Start seconds later, but the visiting keeper was alert and saved well. Mark Jago got a foot to Jonathan Dakers' corner on 8, but steered the ball just wide of the post. Jago was in action at the other end two minutes later, sliding to clear a United effort off the line.
Jago at one end.....
then the other!
Start had a shot blocked on the line halfway through the half, but Linby were given the chance to take the lead on 25 after the visiting no. 5 pushed Start in the back in the area. MATT MURPHY fired home the spot kick giving the keeper no chance.
Terry Henshaw hit a cracking pass to Start two minutes later, and the Linby no. 10 was unlucky to see his shot on the turn fly just wide of the post.
The home team doubled their advantage with 5 minutes of the first half remaining, MURPHY flicking the ball over the keeper, with the United defence all standing looking for an offside flag that never materialised. H-T 2-0
Went into "The Shed" for a tea at the break - thanks Steve! Grabbed a few minutes with Linby Secretary Ade Ward who outlined the future plans for the club. Very impressive if all goes to plan.
Back pitchside with Steve and Dave Banister, had a chat to former AFC Hucknall Manager Dan Pheasant who is Nottingham Utd's coach. Dan is working towards his UEFA B coaching badge - shouldn't be a problem!!
Mike Banister and....
....dad Dave on the touchline
A terrific turn and shot into the top corner saw MURPHY complete his personal treble in the 62nd minute - credit goes to full back Tom Coupe for picking out the hitman on the edge of the box.
United pulled one back on 45, a sweet 20 yard volley from Chris Tivey giving home keeper Phil McNeil no chance.
5 minutes later Linby restored their 3 goal gap, SIMON MARLOW sliding in to convert Barry Payne's ball into the area. F-T 4-1
Enjoyed our first game of February, hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder this month than it was last !!!
Admission £3 - including programme/raffle
Attendance 51 (head count)
Tea - courtesy Steve Peat, but very nice cuppa served in a proper mug.
