St. Leonard's Social II vs Northiam 75 Reserves
2 - 2
24 April 2021 · ESFL Supplementary Cup Div 2/3
Home cup match played on 24 April 2021.
Kicked off at 3:00 PM
2-2
vs Northiam 75 Reserves
Home cup match
St Leonard’s Social II’s drew for the fourth consecutive game in an even contest against a high flying Northiam 75 II’s outfit on a sunny afternoon at Tilekiln to maintain their unbeaten start to this competition.
Even though they had turned up with just 11 players Social started the game very well and carved out a number of half chances to create the first goal. However after just 9 minutes a 25 yard wonder strike from Northiam forward Luke Gasson flew inside the near post to beat a valiant dive from Lewis Baker and give Northiam the lead against the run of play.
Social continued to create chances and were looking very assured on the ball when the returning Owen Westbrook was played in by captain Mark Larkin down the right hand side of the Northiam penalty area and his low cross was met by Kieran Martin at the far post to fire high into the net. 1-1.
Social were looking threatening on the break but had to thank Lewis Baker in goal for some amazing saves from the sparse Northiam efforts at goal and the half ended even despite the impressive Carlton Phillips’ numerous efforts to give Social the lead.
The second half began and Social picked up where they left off with the hard working Westbrook firing brilliantly into the top corner from 12 yards after a Larkin centre in the 52nd minute. Social had a few chances to increase their lead but a combination of great goalkeeping and not so great finishing meant they only held the one goal advantage.
Social made a triple substitution on the hour Mark as Damien March, Jak Laidlaw and Joe Elliott replaced Liam Baker, Adam McDougall and Westbrook respectively. The changes almost paid instant dividends as the three new introductions immediately combined but unfortunately couldn’t find the final touch to increase Social’s lead. Then , 19 minutes into the second half, a defensive mix up from Social allowed Northiam’s Dan Hackett the time and space to prod home an equaliser from 4 yards out.
From that point on the strong winds ensured Social found it hard to get out of their half but they still managed to keep the Northiam attack at bay and could easily have snatched the points after creating some good chances on the counter attack.
But a point seems a fair result from an even game and no one can go away too disappointed. Social play Westfield II’s on Wednesday evening at Tilekiln. #socialarmy