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LEAGUE
LRBC 2-2 FC Gateway
LRBC FAIL TO CLING ON FOR FIRST WIN
Gareth Carey Jones reports
A point was the least LRBC deserved after an improved performance and at one stage it looked like they could have claimed their first league win of the season, but ultimately a lethargic first half cost LRBC victory. Despite conceding a number of first half corners LRBC put in an improved display in combatting that particular set-piece, however the ease with which Gateway's opening goalscorer strolled through the LRBC team to score the opening goal summed up LRBC's failure to compete and deny their opponents space.
Lucky to be only one down at the break, determined words at half time prompted an improved second half display and LRBC began to spend more time in their opponents half and soon equalised when Jonathan Parkinson forced home Ed Jackson's cross at the far post. Any LRBC hopes that this would prove a turning point were disappointed as Gateway continued to match their opponents will to win, but LRBC continued to have the better of the play and looked like going ahead when Steve Robinson raced clear of the Gateway defence, however the midfielder miscued his side-footed shot as the keeper advanced.
It was not long though before LRBC did have the lead when Anthony Thorpe cut in from his right wing position to meet a bouncing through ball on the corner of the penalty area and lashed it right-footed across the keeper into the top corner of the net - a goal that would have graced any game. However, despite an improved display at corners LRBC were soon undone by a set-piece when a long throw was easily flicked on at the near post and forced home for the equaliser. A combination of tighter marking and a better command of his six-yard box from young LRBC goalkeeper Mark Frater will be needed if LRBC are to stop conceding these types of goal.
LRBC's league position meant that anything but a win was always going to be a disappointment, but LRBC could once again be pleased to have matched a team in the upper reaches of their division. The game will rightly be remembered for Thorpe's goal, but young full-back Daniel Johnston, in his first season at this level, put in an assured and determined display at left-back, and Nemat Karimi continues to improve and the Iranian made an impresive contribution to the LRBC performance. Howewver, time is running out if LRBC are to escape from the relegation battle, and they need to start winning, and soon.
LRBC Team: M Frater, N Karimi, D Johnston, J Hoy, D Brownnutt, S Robinson, A Thorpe (M Fisher 80), J Wilson, E Jackson, J Parkinson, G Carey Jones.
LRBC Goals: J Parkinson, A Thorpe
LRBC Man of the Match: A Thorpe