Long Eaton United succumbed to another defeat - our 6th in 8 league games, after an early goal for Loughborough Students proved enough to take all 3 points.

The Blues enjoyed the vast majority of possession, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third means for the 5th time this season in all competitions, we failed to hit the back of the net and our winless run goes on.

Brad Munn was forced into a change to the starting lineup, with Jamie Hanson reporting unwell, though he was included amongst the substitutes. Young on-loan Stags midfielder Riley McLachlan, who impressed in the 1-1 draw with Belper Town, came into the starting lineup, whilst Jack Stubbs, the other Mansfield loanee was missing through injury sustained at the end of Saturdays game. Artem Maslenikov was also on the bench for the first time after receiving International Clearance from the FA.

There was a slight change to the starting positions, with Davidson-Miller playing as a straight striker, and Curtis Durose just behind, whilst Connor Pace was a little deeper. James Taylor and McLachlan were the widemen, with Callum Cocks playing his usual holding role.

The Blues started quite brightly, and McLachlan had an early effort whistle just past the post, with the 'keeper looking on, rooted to his spot.

Just as Long Eaton were beginning to build some momentum, we were caught on the break and Kasukumya was put through on goal, from a slight angle, King made a good save, but the ball came out to Ikegwuonu who tidily swept home the opener on 10 minutes.

For the 10th time this season, we had conceded the opening goal, and it was nearly two a few minutes later, Lewis King getting fingertips to Rennie's low shot.

Long Eaton made some inroads over the next 10 minutes, with some good work down the right involving George Atwal and James Taylor, forcing some corners, but we were unable even at this early stage to trouble the opponents 'keeper James.

Just before the 30 minute mark, King was once again called into action, denying Gilpin this time, touching a goal-bound shot just past the post.

Despite the hosts having plenty of possession, it was The Scholars who continued to look the more likely to add another goal, and before halftime, King saved well from a long range effort, but was relieved to see a fizzing shot from Kasukumya go just over the bar.

There was a half-hearted penalty shout just before the break when Cotterill slid in and won the ball in the area, only for the forward to continue and fall over his outstretched leg. There was a slight hesitation immediately afterwards, with Bucci getting the ball caught up under his boot and almost directing it into his own net.

Loughborough made a couple of changes at the break, and The Blues got the second 45 minutes underway.

Gilpin made a direct run through the centre of The Blues defence and King made a great save at his feet with the midfielder through on goal on 51 minutes.

2 minutes later, a break from Long Eaton saw Davidson-Miller pull the ball back to Curtis Durose, who snatched at his shot and it went comfortably wide from a good position, before Harry Eden, in a well advanced position skewed his shot high and wide - but at least there was some attacking intent from The Blues, as we looked to press The Scholars back.

On 65 minutes, a dangerous Eden corner seemed to elude everyone and almost fell to Bucci just in front of goal, but the defender was unable to connect and Loughborough scrambled the ball away.

Into the last 20 minutes, James Taylor picked up a yellow card, which means he will have to serve a suspension - his 5th yellow of the season, whilst Kieran Francis replaced George Atwal a minute later.

Riley McLachlan remained a threat throughout and his curling effort grazed the roof of the net, as Long Eaton looked a little more desperate.

Loughborough looked to pick The Blues off on the break and the game was almost put to bed, but Eden superbly cleared off the line with King, for once this evening, well beaten.

With just 5 minutes to play, Long Eaton created their best chance of the match, Davidson-Miller found some space a little deeper and threaded an inch-perfect pass to McLachlan, but the youngster, with only the 'keeper to beat couldn't quite get the ball around or over the keeper who stood tall.

For the remaining 5 minutes, plus 5 minutes of additional time, The Blues continued to try to conjure up another opportunity, but as they had done for the vast majority of the match, a lack of cutting edge was for all to see.

BLUES LINEUP: King(c) - Atwal (Francis 71), Eden, Cotterill, Bucci - McLachlan, Cocks, Pace, Durose, Taylor - Davidson-Miller.
Subs not used: Maslenikov, Hanson, Cole, Munn
Booking: Taylor 70 (foul)
Attendance: 113