Northern Counties East League – Premier Division

HALL ROAD RANGERS 1-3 LONG EATON UNITED

Long Eaton United: Webb, Murdock, Henshaw, Whiley, Campbell, Gamble, Breach, Bowles, Brady, Hodgson, Rickford. Subs: Morgan (Breach 56mins), Bryant (Hodgson 66 mins), McGinty (Murdock 80mins).

Long Eaton United gained their third away league win of the season when they travelled to Hull-based Hall Road Rangers on Saturday, gaining a 3-1 victory with a superb all-round performance.

United were forced to make a couple of changes with eighteen year- old goalkeeper Scott Webb making his full debut in the absence of Simon Baldwin and new signing and former Sandiacre Town striker Shaun Rickford, was given the opportunity to lead the line. Assistant Manager Craig Weston again took charge of team affairs. United were very quick out of the blocks and Martin Bowles had an early chance that went just wide and Rickford was making his presence felt from the outset with some strong running.

After ten minutes Aiden Brady found space wide on the right and crossed the ball into a dangerous area. Rickford’s robust style caused panic in the Hall Road defence and as two defenders and the ‘keeper challenged the United player, Craig Suddaby headed into his own goal.

Further chances were being created and Brady and Lee Hodgson almost got their names on the score-sheet. On the occasions that Hall Road were able to press, Dean Whiley and Chris Murdock were able to effectively

deal with any potential threat. On twenty-five minutes, Gary Breach showed great determination in chasing a loose ball and provide a superb cross for Rickford to powerfully head into the net, securing United a two goal advantage. Four minutes later Hall Road pegged a goal back when a cruelly deflected shot by James McGarry beat United’s young ‘keeper, who still managed to get a hand to the ball and palm it onto the post before it dropped over the line.

The setback didn’t unsettle United, who continued to create chances and a great strike from Hodgson hit the post, followed by a headed effort from Breach that cleared the bar. Reward for United’s pressure came shortly before the interval when Paul Gamble capitalised on a defensive error to divert his header into the net from the edge of the penalty box and restore United’s two-goal lead. The strike was Gamble’s fourth goal in three games.

In the second half, the home side worked manfully to get back into the game but United’s hard-working defence were able to deal capably with all that was thrown at them. On the counter-attack, Adam Campbell was prominent in trying to create openings for Brady and Bowles and both Campbell himself and Hodgson had opportunities to add to United’s lead before the final whistle.

The victory took United to fourth place in the NCEL. Next Saturday United have another long journey when they travel to Farsley for a NCEL encounter.

Ritchie Woods

.