Olly's "trick out of the hat" keeps blues in top spot

Moor green were the visitors to a frost bitten Grange park this week, and whether or not the game would go ahead was very much in the balance as players and fans began to descend on the hallowed turf.
Thankfully, the league and referee alike applied common sense, and after an enforced 30 minute delay in kick off, the match was on.

As it turned out, the conditions were near perfect. A chill in the air, but not too cold. Hardly a breath of wind. The pitch was a little hard to begin with, but flat and true. All that is ever required of this young Long Eaton side who so like to play a passing game.

Much like the last few weeks, Long Eaton were straight out of the blocks.
None more than Luke, who had started at centre forward.
A clever ball into him from Matt, who was taking charge at the back, saw the first declaration of intent from him.
A "drag back style" turn lost a marker and saw Luke accelerate into the Moorgreen half.
On he strode.
With 3 players between him and goal it didn't look possible. But possible it was. Outsprinting the 3, Luke found himself one on one, and only a brave save prevented what would have been a contender for goal of the season. Goal of all time maybe!

With an early sniff at goal, and the extra carrott of a goal bonus on offer, it was little suprise that Luke would open the scoring.
A flowing move, starting at the back with Matt in goal, weaving its way through Matt, Olly and George, finally found the ball at Lukes feet and in front of goal. Thanks very much he said. Cough up Grandma, thats 1-0.

Moorgreen struggled to keep pace as Long eaton mixed their short and long passing. Feet and back throw in's, short corners, little one two's, it was all there, and very difficult to keep up with for any opponent.

It was only a matter of time before the second goal came. George, deputising as captain, and brimming with confidence, took a quick throw to Olly and demanded it back to his feet. A quick look up spotted school mate Harry, who had strayed into the Moorgreen box.
When the ball landed, a defender close at hand, it was difficult to predict what happened next. A little drag past the defender with his right foot, in to the path of his left, and wallop. Harry unleashed a curling left footed drive into the top left corner. No chance for the goalie, 2-0.

Its rumoured that Harry's father had a bit of left foot, so you can see where he gets it from!!!!

Long Eaton were cruising and as half time came, the talk on the touch line was of "how many." Keep playing, was the managers advice.

And so they did.

Matt was commanding in goal and was playing almost like a last man. Coming off his line, sweeping up and starting the play again. Matt and Ed, who were impressive at the back throughout, were keen to oblige and were forever collecting the ball from their goalie.

Keelan was having some fun as well, in fact, it was almost like a skills practice for him. Nutmegs, stepovers, little dummies - he rolled them all out this week.

With Long Eaton cruising, the last thing on the agenda was a Moorgreen goal. But, with no-one to blame, a good finish saw Moorgreen claw one back. This had not been part of the plan.

Long eaton needed to settle the nerves. Another goal should do the trick. And when a goal is needed, Justin usually delivers. Today was no exception.

Set free by the busy winger George, Justin was one on one. Fait accomple! 3-1 up and back in charge.

Then came the seasons fastest, and most ruthless hat trick.
Olly, who had gone about his business all game with little fuss, must of decided that he fancied a slice of the action.
Bang, bang, bang. 3 minutes, 3 goals. Long eaton were 6 to the good and the points were all but in the bag.

The crowd were leaping about. Olly looked over, and with a customary shrug of the shoulders as if to say, "whats all the fuss about," jogged back to his familiar spot, back in the mixer. A cool customer indeed.

Ed, Keelan and George were unlucky not to add to the tally.

Moorgeen did steal a questionable second, but that certainly did not take the shine off this performance.

Long eaton were commanding, stylish, and ruthless for 50 minutes.

Each of these players knows what is needed to do to take the title. However, they can only deal with one game at a time. This game was certainly dealt with!

A convincing victory, but more importantly another 3 points.

Next up - Blue Leopards at West Bridgford.

MoM - George.