Long Eaton secured all three points with a comfortable victory over Southwell at Grange Park.
On a difficult pitch and after a long lay off, the opening stages were strewn with errors as the players struggled to adjust their game. Ten minutes in, with what was to prove their only opportunity of the game, Southwell made good progress down the right flank but Murphy was unable to rise above the ball to convert an excellent cross as the ball just cleared the crossbar from five yards. Shortly after, debutant Morgan mis-judged a high ball but recovered well with a superbly timed tackle as the Southwell striker advanced into the box. Long Eaton settled down and began to assert themselves on the ball. They were beginning to find some success down the flanks and took the lead on 25 minutes when Thurman’s ball found Josh Hooley in the box. He turned his man and his deflected shot found the back of the net.
Long Eaton continued to dominate possession after the break and produced some flowing football. A neat move put Hilton clear but his touch narrowed the angle slightly and his shot produced a superb save from the visiting keeper. Long Eaton had to wait until 75 minutes for the second goal that their football so richly deserved. A Gibbons corner caused havoc in the box and Winfield poked home from six yards to wrap up the points. Southwell never threatened the United goal and whilst Long Eaton produced a very strong and professional performance, we were perhaps disappointed not to run out more convincing winners on the night.
We look forward to the return fixture at Southwell next week.
Scorers: Josh Hooley, Ethan Winfield
MOM: Zakk Hilton
Team: Matthews, Thurman (Cpt), Morgan, Smith, Winfield , Hilton (Marshall 84), Hancock, Hooley, Gibbons (McGrath 79), Ruck (King 72), Smith Subs: King, McGrath, Marshall
