ROBINS FLY TO LATE WIN

 Pre Season Friendly

EAST LEAKE ROBINS FC 2 SUTTON BONNINGTON FC 1

Been saying that I would go to visit East League Robins FC for some time now but as we are all aware, the seasons have curtailed early for the past 2 seasons, but a attractive local derby versus the next door village Sutton Bonnington FC who ply their trade in the Leicestershire Senior League caught my eye.

Well the morning was spent going round Loughborough Market, to Hazel's delight, lots of stalls but lucky my wallet stayed in my pocket.

We headed for the venue, but for some reason Google Maps was playing up and sent me some 7 miles to another village, a quick phone call to the Robins boss soon saw us on the road to East Leake Leisure Centre, some years ago one of my sons from my first marriage went to this school, which at the time was called Harry Carlton.

On arrival at the car park, I was greeted by the Robins top striker who promised me he would hit the net a few times in the afternoon..you can just guess what happened after that statement lol

Joe Marshall, the Robins Manager had pledged £10 to the blogs charity plus £1 per goal his side scored in the game..True to his word, he donated on behalf of East Leakes Robins FC £12 to Family Fund, that supports families with special needs and disabilities, so a HUGE thankyou to Joe.

The match kicked and Robins seemed to play a short passing game with Sutton playing eleven players behind the ball and springing the odd counter attack, so there wasnt much shooting action at either end, though possibly in the first 25 minutes, the visitors did have two good chances. The Bright sunshine went in and the drizzle began to fall the game sprang in to action, when the referee gave the homesters and free kick some 25 yards out, up stepped DAN STARBUCK who struck his free kick past the visiting wall and in to the net to make it 1-0.

The Second Half kicked off and the Robins were playing a few more longer balls and mixing the game up, but were nearly caught out at the back in the 46th minute, when a Sutton forward burst though and his shot went in to the side netting. The Robins looked more likely to score as they pushed forward but this left gaps at the back and a quick break down the left side saw a Sutton player flattened. From the resulting free kick that was swung in, a visiting player got his head to the ball to guide it wide of the home keeper in to the net for the equaliser.

This gave the visitors a bit more confidence and they pressed forward and forced the home keeper in to a superb save. A few subs by both sides then changed the shape of the match, as the Robins were looking stronger and after 70 minutes, JAMES DALTON turned and spun in to the area before shooting home the winning goal of the match.

A good run out for both sides in a good competitive game

The Charity Blog total now stands at a superb £453.75p

To view the 127 photos from the match, please click this LINK