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Sleaford 1-2 Reserves

Lincolnshire League

Report by Colin Woodcock

United Reserves moved three points closer to the Lincs League championship with a sloid away win against Sleaford Town. Opening brightly, they carried the game to the home side and took the lead on the quarter-hour with a goal that would have graced any league. Ross Nicholls won the ball in midfield and fed Anthony Elding, who chested down and set Gary Childs away on the right. The latter's pin-point cross was then met on the half volley by in-form Paul WATTS for an excellent finish. The goal was the 100th scored by United Reserves this season (if you discount the eight scored against Nettleham Reserves, who have since withdrawn from the league, and the five scored in the cup match against Horncastle that the Reserves were disqualified from for playing an ineligible player for the last five minutes - KF.)

A further goal was disallowed shortly after, but with five minutes remaining before the break, Mark MELSON rifled in a 20-yard volley to double United's advantage. Sleaford fought back after the break and scored on the hour after Lee Crew's parry ran free to a Sleaford player for a simple goal. This tested United's resolve, but they held firm and dominated the rest of the game, having penalty appeals denied in the final minute when Watts appeared to be pulled down with the goal at his mercy. Manager John Luffman was pleased with the result and, with seven games to go, sees his side unbeaten. However, they face a stern test this Friday night with a difficult away fixture against local rivals Wyberton, kick-off 7.45pm.

United team: 1. Lee Crew, 2. Mark Melson, 3. Gary Pawson, 4. Len Curtis, 5. Nicky Reeson, 6. Gary Childs, 7. Leigh Taylor, 8. Ross Nicholls, 9. Gary Walters, 10. Anthony Elding, 11. Paul Watts, 12. Dane Thornton, 14. Danny Dack, 15. Danny Harrison.