Match Preview: Loughborough University vs Long Eaton United
Six straight Total Motion Midland League Premier Division defeats have left Loughborough in 16th place in the league with 24 points. Last Saturday they lost 2-1 away at Coventry Sphinx and as has been the case in 3 of the last 4 away games the Scholars found themselves 2-0 down at half time, they did manage to pull one goal back in the second half but couldn’t manage a second to gain a share of the points.
Four of the next five games are against teams around Loughborough in the league so they will be looking to pick up a good amount of points to help propel themselves further away from the relegation zone. This game against Long Eaton is followed by a trip to Shawbury United before a run of four straight home games.
If the Scholars repeat their form in a similar run of home games before Christmas then it will see them rocket up the table.
Long Eaton picked up their first loss in six Total Motion Midland League Premier Division games last time out as they lost 1-0 to Boldmere St Michaels, they went behind within the first ten minutes and couldn’t find an equaliser. The game had a lively ending as the referee gave out 4 red cards in the last 10 minutes with both sides finishing with 9 men, but despite the disruption and 13 minutes stoppage time Boldmere held on for the 3 points.
Form (League)
Loughborough: LLLLL
Long Eaton United: WDWWWL
Loughborough Squad:
Hilton, Hobbs, Davis, Bonner, Croud, Duah, Dinsmore, Braithwaite, Last, Moran, Crookes, Gordon, Bardsley-Rowe, Clibbens, Conner, Hanson.
The rotation continues for Loughborough as James Stallan, Charlie Lewis, Kumi Mutamba and last week’s debutant Jordan Slack drop out and are replaced by George Hobbs, Alex Dinsmore, Dan Hanson and Jordan Connor. After being an unused sub last week Harry Clibbens could make his debut for Loughborough.
Last meeting:
The Scholars picked up their first point of the season when they visited Station Road back in August and came away with a 2-2 draw. A late Alex Dinsmore goal secured a point for Loughborough after the team came from behind twice.
Last season:
The Scholars picked up 4 points from a possible 6 against Long Eaton last season. A 3-1 at home thanks to a Matty Crookes brace and one from Tom Barnes was followed by a 2-2 draw away from home on New Year’s Eve. A Joe Jackson goal in the 88th minute made sure the team didn’t leave empty handed.