LAPFORD RESERVES 2 - SPREYTON 3

IN this game played on Tuesday, April 16 at Lapford’s Edgerly Park, Lapford Reserves were only minutes away from derailing Spreyton’s title assault and agonisingly close to inflicting a first league defeat in 15 months.

The game had barely started when Owen Gregory was hacked down by Gavin Weeks who somehow escaped with a yellow card after taking down the last man through an own goal.

Steve Kinsey stepped up to take a shot on target but down the throat of Buzz, the Lapford ‘keeper.

Only 11 minutes into the game the ball broke down the right-hand side, Kinsey played a killer ball across the box for the in-form Owen to slot into the bottom corner giving the Spreys an early lead - 0-1.

The next 20 minutes saw the Spreys spreading the ball around the park with panache but they couldn’t quite produce any real chances in the final third.

Thirty minutes in and Chris Down played a great ball across the edge of the area to Jamie Hatch who connected well but put it just over the bar.

The remaining 15 minutes were very scrappy with Lapford pressing higher and launching attacks up the right-wing through Luca but not much resulting for either side.

With the second half underway both teams had a fair share of possession, Lapford clearly inspired knowing they had a good opportunity to take some points away.

With 55 minutes gone, Lapford No 9 Dean Voaden managed to get himself sin binned.

Spreyton failed to capitalise on the advantage and Lapford won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area through Josh Williams.

Josh proceeded to strike the ball to the far bottom corner, taking a bounce before crossing the line. Lapford were well and truly back in the game at 1-1!

Spreyton were trying their best to create but Lapford’s Josh Phillips was breaking everything down in the middle of the park.

A chance came Spreyton’s way when Greg Jolly found himself bearing down on goal, Chris Down was screaming for the square ball but Greg had his eyes on goal and was unfortunate not to put the Spreys back in front.

Chris however was absolutely fuming with his frustrations visible for all to see.

The Stags were clearly playing for a draw and frustrating Spreyton by slowing the game down excessively until a Reece Clift attack down the right was crossed in towards the far post.

The Spreys defence and ‘keeper failed to clear it resulting in Lapford’s silver fox Dean Voaden poking the ball home from a few yards out giving The Stags the lead with 72 minutes played.

The Lapford crowd went wild with their gaffer invading the pitch clearly buzzing with how his side were performing - 2-1.

With the Spreys desperate to keep their title hopes alive, it was now or never to launch a late assault on the Lapford defence.

On 78 minutes Jamie Hatch was denied by a quick reaction save by Buzz and only minutes later Hatchy’s hamstring gave way which will be a massive loss for the remainder of the campaign.

At 80 minutes in Owen sent a ball for Cam Pow to chase, Gav Weeks just beat Cam to it and played back to the ‘keeper almost lobbing him for what would have been an own goal.

The Spreys stuck together launching wave after wave of direct attacks with Ko King and Will Hawking pumping ball after ball into the box trying to salvage the game.

With 88 minutes gone the ball fell to Kinsey well outside of the area who proceeded to unleash a screamer to the top corner finding the stanchion, one hell of a goal and bringing the scores back level - 2-2.

The Spreys continued to press hard and a few minutes later Hawks played a clinical ball in to Chris Down who took a great touch, turned to his right and sent a rocket into the top bin from a good 20 yards out, another belting goal to put the Spreys back on top of the game!

Spreyton’s turn to go wild and celebrate what could turn out to be a memorable comeback - 2-3.

Chris and Owen were instructed to drop back and pack the midfield for the remaining minutes of extra time to see out the game.

The final whistle went, what a thrilling end to a game that Lapford were very unfortunate not to take anything away from. Spreyton digging deep to keep them in the title race.

Man Of The Match for Spreyton was awarded to Chris Down whose workrate was immense tracking back into midfield making bone crunching challenges and creating for his fellow strikers. The winner in extra time just put the icing on the cake.

A big thank you to Lapford for giving us one hell of a game and being good hosts.

Tim Cockman