Friday 01-12-2017 - 10:31

An 11-goal thriller entertained the pitch 2 crowd as LUMFC 1s overcome Keele 1s in a crushing win.

The week 8 fixtures saw Lancaster 1s take on Keele 1s in their first game for 3 weeks. Despite this long period off, they showed no signs of rustiness and began the game with high intensity and drive. Keele struggled to cope with this barrage of early pressure which saw Lancaster’s Robbie Kennedy claim the first goal of the game after an in-swinging cross from winger Carl Airey found the skipper’s head. Lancaster continued their strong start as left back Ben Anderson made an over-lapping run before firing in a low cross that cannoned off a Keele centre back and inadvertently into his own goal (whether the ball was on target or not is up for discussion, however Anderson is claiming it as his own)*. Following a comfortable first 10 minutes, the home side looked relaxed and seemed to be relishing being back in action. 

However, they were perhaps too relaxed, and allowed Keele to assert themselves on the game. This led to a free kick being lofted optimistically into the home team’s penalty area and goalkeeper Jorge Torres’ punch being pounced upon by the Keele attacker, finishing into an empty net. Sensing Lancaster were rattled by this mistake, Keele pushed for an equaliser which came not long after, as a strong right footed drive found its way into the bottom left corner. 2-2. Despite throwing away an early lead, Lancaster kept their heads up and tried to regain their rhythm. This perseverance was soon rewarded as Joe Devaney slotted a pass to Jack Barnet, who calmly finished first time into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot. However, LUMFC were unable to keep it tight at the back; after being harried by an on-rushing striker, Torres fell victim to the poor pitch conditions as the ball bobbled over his attempted clearance, subsequently gifting Keele a tap in and another lifeline. 

But, Lancaster were determined not to finish the half on level terms. Searching for a fourth goal, the impressive Anderson whipped in a cross that was sliced behind for a corner; eventually being turned in by Joe Devaney at the back post, thanks to a knock on by Ben Finch. 

The second half kicked off with Lancaster on top. Airey’s quick feet and twisting runs caused problems for the Keele defensive unit who brought him down just outside the box. The resulting free kick was caressed into the top corner by Barnett seeing him secure his brace. Keele offered little fight back and conceded again after a lovely string of passes found Airey who completed a hatrick of assists after Devaney converted from his cross. The goal fest continued for Lancaster as Sam Armstrong fired their 7th of the match from close range. The away side managed to get one back, but by this time the game was beyond their reach. LUMFC could have increased their goal tally further, if it wasn’t for an open goal horror show for substitute Will Smitherman, who failed to turn in McLellan’s square ball. 

This emphatic victory saw the red roses join MMU at the top of the league on 10 points, with them facing Liverpool 2s at home in the last game before the Christmas break. 

MOTM: 
Ben Anderson

Goals:
Devaney x 2
Barnett x 2
Armstrong x 1
Kennedy x 1
O.G x1 *