The Lambs move the top of the league with this well-earned victory over a good Millbrook team. It was an incredible day in the title race when previous leaders Plymouth Argyle suffered a heavy defeat at the hands Exmouth Town who also leapfrog them into second place in the table.
The game got off to a fast start with both teams probing for an opening. It was the Lambs that created the first opportunity in the seventh minute, a great cross field pass found Jack Crago who cut inside his marker but his fierce shot was brilliantly saved by Wearing in the visitors goal. Two minutes later the home team had the ball in the net but it was ruled out as Josh Grant was adjudged to be off side.
Millbrook played some neat football and it was obvious to see why they have had a good run of results. Both Jack Crago and Matt David had fine efforts saved by keeper Wearing.
In the 35th minute the Lambs rode their luck when Millbrook’s Knight, hit a terrific shot which deflected off goalkeeper Josh Oak, and crashed against the crossbar before being cleared to safety.
The Lambs reacted by increasing the tempo of their play and five minutes later they took a deserved lead when another fine move resulted in a Millbrook defender deliberately handling the ball as it was about to fall to Liam Prynn inside the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty kick. Josh Grant made no mistake as he fired the ball home to give the Lambs a deserved lead at the interval.
Millbrook had a good spell at the start of the second half, as they contested for the ball far better, and created a couple of opportunities to level the score. In the 49th minute Knight shot over when well placed, six minutes later a fine effort by Wood was well saved by Josh Oak.
On the hour Manager Stuart Henderson made his first substitution with Tallan Burns replacing Jack Crago. He was immediately in the action and went on a terrific penetrating run waltzing pass three defenders, laying on the perfect pass for Liam Prynn rifle home from fifteen yards to double the home team’s advantage.
Sam Davey then replaced Josh Grant, and almost extended the home team’s advantage but his fine effort was inches wide of the target.
With fifteen minutes left Mason Hughes was replaced by club captain Lewis Daw, to give him game time after recovering from his long term injury.
The home team really put their foot on the gas in the later stages and created several goal scoring opportunities. Sam Davey saw his header from a Luke Brown cross go inches wide of the target.
Then Tallan Burns went on a terrific run leaving defenders in his wake as he penetrated the heart of their defence, before slotting the ball home from twelve yards. Definitely a contender for goal of the season.
In the 87thn minute the Lambs made the game safe when another fine move saw a great cross into the penalty area saw Warren Daw finish with aplomb.
Millbrook never gave up and were awarded with a consolation goal in time added on.
Another good display by the whole team to secure a good victory. No doubt they will disappointed not to keep a clean sheet, but it’s another three points against good opponents. It was great to see club captain Lewis Daw back in action.
Man of the Match. Warren Daw for his all-round performance, endless energy throughout the game, prompting attacks, and breaking up opposition attacks, a great midfielder’ s performance.