Louth United Reserves 1-3 Reserves

Lincolnshire League

Report by Colin Woodcock

Another win, another step nearer the Lincs League championship. Although Saturday's performance against Louth wasn't out the top drawer, United still gained three more points - and with rivals Barton and Limestone only managing draws, the title looks ever more destined for York Street. Starting in heavy rain, it was the home side who enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, but everything changed on ten minutes when Mark Melson's shot was only parried by the home keeper, leaving Nicky REESON the easy task of putting United in front. Despite holding the upper hand, a strangely lethargic United couldn't capitalise on their advantage, further chances going begging. The home side came back strongly after the break and equalised on the hour after the United defence failed to clear a corner.

Keeper Lee Crew then made two excellent saves to keep United in the game. After having a goal disallowed when the ball looked to have crossed the line, United seemed to be heading for an inauspicious draw, but with five minutes to go they were awarded a penalty when a home defender handled in the box. Danny DACK, on for Melson, grasped the ball and shouldered the responsibility, ramming home a pressure penalty to put United back in front. And they made the game safe just a minute later when Paul WATTS, on for Anthony Elding, latched on to a through ball and rounded the keeper for a good goal. In the final minute, Ross Nicholls was substituted following a petulant outburst. Still unbeaten, United Reserves travel to Barrowby this Saturday in another testing fixture.

United team: 1. Lee Crew, 2. Gary Pawson, 3. Len Curtis, 4. Ross Nicholls, 5. Ricky Southwell, 6. Nicky Reeson, 7. Mark Melson, 8. Steve Appleby, 9. Leigh Taylor, 10. Anthony Elding, 11. Gary Walters, 12. Harris, 14. Danny Dack, 15. Paul Watts.