Border Vet’s 3 v.  LX  3

Owing to last minute withdrawals through injury, LX took to the field for this mid week fixture with guest players Dave McCormack and Chris Hills, both of whom are likely to appear in this years North over 60 squad.

On a dull January afternoon, LX were under immediate pressure as Border Vets tried to impose themselves and take early control. Having weathered the first five minutes without mishap, LX took an early lead when a break down the right resulted in a smart cross from Dave McCormack redirected across goal by Graham Martin to Richard Clarke at the left hand post, 1-0.

Following this early reverse, Border Vets lost their rhythm and LX  stepped up the pressure moving the ball sweetly around the pitch. A second goal seemed to be on the cards when Graham Martin intercepted a 16 yard hit and found himself with only the ‘keeper to beat but the shot went wide. With half time approaching, LX moved further ahead when another sharp break down the right saw a Peter Sharpe cross fall to John Land who scored from 3 yards. Continuing to attack, LX forced a short corner. The defence were slow to move out and Peter Sharpe fired in from a direct shot to give LX a 3-0 half time lead.

Intent on building on their first half performance, LX were playing with the confidence that comes with a 3 goal cushion.  With David Margerison, Andy Holden and Chris Hills snuffing out any threat and Ray Jeff and Bob Pursehouse always available in midfield,  Border Vets were lucky to escape without further damage. With the clock running down and the mist getting thicker Border Vets moved forward with more purpose and with the midfield moving up to pressurise the LX defence they were badly exposed at the back and were fortunate to survive a series of attacks when they were outnumbered in defence. With a degree of tiredness kicking in, LX finally conceded when the defence failed to clear and Jim Standish was helpless from close range. Feeling that they might get back into the game even at this late stage, Border Vets swarmed forward and quickly reduced the arrears again when a cross from the right was reversed into goal past an unsighted Jim Standish. LX had further opportunities to put the game beyond reach but Border Vets came back to win a series of short corners. Jim Standish made a couple of quality saves but when the defence failed to clear he had no chance and honours finished even.

A top quality meal was laid on at a nearby hostelry to round off a most enjoyable day .

LX team; Jim Standish, David Margerison, Andy Holden, Bob Pursehouse, Ray Jeff, Peter Sharpe, Richard Clarke, Graham Martin, John Land. Guests; Chris Hills and Dave McCormack.

Team Manager; Andy Holden
Correspondent; Bill Warrender