Midlands Over 65 XI  0  v.  LX Over 70 XI  2

at Cannock on 12th October 2008 

For this fixture on the newly laid Cannock facility, LX fielded a strong over 70’s side.
Opening in warm sunshine, LX were soon on the attack with David Higham, John Davey and Colin Pinks taking an early grip on the midfield and providing a good platform for the forward line where Keith Hunt was prominent on the right. Having weathered the early pressure,  Midlands pushed forward, threatening the LX line, but Gurney White and John Widgery were equal to the challenge! With LX looking the sharper when on the attack and having created more chances they finally went ahead when Keith Hedley collected the ball in midfield and moving forward, transferred the ball quickly into the circle via Gilbert Grace for Bill Warrender to deflect the ball past the ‘keeper. LX continued to apply pressure and the Midlands defence was at sixes and sevens when Gerald Wilkinson  set up an attack down the right where Bill Warrender was able to get to the by line and lay the ball back for Gilbert Grace to slot home just ahead of the half time whistle.
Resuming after the break, Midlands were intent on getting back into the game and LX were penned into their own half. Stepping up the pressure, Midlands were able to force several short corners but unable to apply the finishing touch. The LX defence proved equal to the task and when the Midlands attack did get the opportunity to shoot, Jim Standish was in top form in the LX goal making several outstanding saves.
With the Midlands committing themselves to pushing into the LX half, they were always open to the counter attack and LX went close on a number of occasions and in the end Midlands were fortunate not to concede by a wider margin.

LX: Jim Standish; Colin Pinks; John Widgery; Gurney White; David Higham; John Davey; Keith Hunt; Gerald Wilkinson; Keith Hedley; Gilbert Grace; Bill Warrender: