Winterton Ranger 4 v 2 Long Eaton United

Long Eaton:- Rollson, Chambrs, McGinty, Allsop, Watts, McCall (Spencer80), Newton (North 46), Stryzewski, Bonnick, Steadman, Fowkes, Parker. Referee Mr C.Evans (Leeds)

Long Eaton travelled to champions elect, Winterton Rangers without the injured Michael Buckley,Ben Burton and Scott Downie, with Nathan Parker , carrying a thigh strain on the bench.

The Blues kicked off facing a gale force wind and driving rain and got off to the worst possible start going behind after only two minutes. A hard cross from winger Greg Archer was deflected past keeper Marc Rollson off the shoulder of Josh Watts, the ball flying into the corner of the net.

With the Blues penned back in their own half , Rollson was kept busy making a fine save from a Nathan Would free kick, the loose ball being knocked over the line by Archer who fortunately for the Blues was ruled off side. Shots reigned in from all angles, with Rollson performing heroics to deny 40 goal Rob Northen , twice,Greg Archer and Andy Holt, with Holt then clipping the top of the bar with an easy chance.

The half time whistle could not come soon enough for the overworked Blues defence who through dogged defending, a little luck and some poor finishing went in at the break only the one goal down.

HALF TIME Winterton 1 v 0 Long Eaton

The tables were turned at the start of the second half with Channon North replacing Adam Newton, giving the Blues more fire power up front. Coutney Bonnick had a near post shot well saved and Graham Fowkes went close with a shot from the angle of the area but it was the home side who doubled their lead on 60 minutes, the unfortunate Josh Watts could only help the ball over the line after Marc Rollson had made a fine save, palming the ball onto the post,which then came back and struck Watts.

The Blues, who had been on top for most of the second half replied two minutes later when Marc Stryzewski scored direct from a corner, the ball going over the line despite a gallant effort by full back Stuart Robinson trying to clear. The Blues now had their tales up and it was no surprise when they equalized again through Stryzewski. He played a short corner to Graham Fowkes, and from the return pass fired in a magnificent shot from the edge of the area into the corner of the net leaving keeper Ben Simpson clutching thin air.

At this point the Blues looked the likely winners but the home side showed their quality on the break and went in front again with a overhead kick by Dave Recardo from a Greg Archer corner. With the final minutes ticking by ,the Blues threw everything at their hosts and Steadman was brought down in the box by Matthew Plant, but referee Evans, at least 40 yards behind play, waved play on and then to rub salt into the wound allowed Andy Holt , clearly in an off side position, to go on and round keeper Rollson to give the home side a flattering 4-2 win.

FULL TIME Winterton 4 v 2 Long Eaton

An excallant performance from all of the Blues who surely on the second half display deserved at least a draw for their efforts from their high flying opponents.

It was a pleasure to go to Winterton whose ground and facilities are worthy of Conference status and to be made so welcome by their committee and supporters who are so proud of their achievements.

For photos of the match click below