ROBINS WIN IN THE HEAT

Pre Season Friendly

AFC VILLA FC 2 EAST LEAKE ROBINS FC 4

played at South Nottinghamshire Academy,

Radcliffe On Trent NG12 2FQ

When I saw this pre season match had been arranged at a ground Id not visited and between two clubs Id not seen, it appealed to me. AFC Villa play in the Midlands & Notts Alliance League whilst the Robins ply their trade in the North Leicestershire League.

Having noticed on the Villa facebook page that Lewis Quayle was the match official, I messaged him to see if I could get a lift and I met up with him at the Sherwood Manor pub.

On arrival at the 4g ground, there was a refreshments cabin behind one the goals that was open and with the sun blazing down, a cold drink was in order, only problem was they didnt have any cold drinks, so a cuppa it was.

The game kicked off with several groundhoppers in attendance including people travelling from Leicester, Birmingham, Stone and Nottingham.

AFC made the early breakthrough on just 13 minutes, when their captain took a 25 yard free kick that nestled in to the top corner of the Robins net. This seemed to bring the visitors in to life as they pressed forward and after 27 minutes, they were on level terms when a angled shot found the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-1. Regular drink breaks were taking place due to the hot weather and at half time, I retired again to the refreshments cabin for another cuppa.

The Second Half began and The Leake's were first on the attack and after 52 minutes, a square ball across the 6 yard box saw a tap in to give them the lead. On 74 minutes, a well worked move saw the Robins extend their lead to 3-1.

With 4 minutes to go, AFC pulled a goal back with a good shot, this gave the homesters hope and they pressed for a late equaliser, but this left gaps at the back and in the final moments of the match, The Robins exploited the gaps and punished the home side with a final goal to make it 4-2.

For those hoppers who wish to visit this venue, AFC Villa do have a number of pre season matches here in the next few Saturdays, starting next week v Radcliffe FC, the 13th v Mapperley FC, 20th v Netherfield Seniors and 27th v Wollaton III.

I would like to thank AFC Villa & Adam Rawson for the kind £10 donation and also to Lewis Quayle for the £5 donation and the 6 goals scored towards this seasons charity blog which is in aid of Nottingham Stroke Club which takes the running total to £312.50.

To see the 81 match photos, please click the LINK