Old Marlburians - League (H)

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On Saturday 6th September, the LOBs played their first home game of the 25/26 campaign against a recently relegated Malburians side and within one minute of kick off the LOBs hit the crossbar and almost took the lead after Cal Nicholas controlled the ball and chipped the keeper from 30 yards out. The LOBs started the stronger of the two teams, passing the ball round well and creating chances. Oskar Berelowitz was exceptional down the left wing, consistently getting the better of his opponent. Our midfield also controlled the game, with Dan Clifford, Felix Haxby and Harry Simpson all working well together to create chances and snuff out any danger that Malburians posed. 

 

There were a few chances which the LOBs had to take the lead, after a cut back from Frankie Tudball, Cal had a good chance which he put just passed the post. Whilst the LOBs controlled the game, Malburians also had opportunities to score but goalkeeper Bradley Harman was on form making a handful of strong saves, and dealt with an indirect free kick well earning him a couple of man of the match votes. After a few chances at both ends the game was 0-0 at the half time.

 

In the second half the LOBs continued to be the better side. We created chances, and when Cal rounded the keeper, we thought we would be 1-0 up but a poor Tolworth pitch filled with bobbles meant Cal scuffed his open goal wide. With the score still 0-0 thanks to another superb save from Brad, and some coordinated defending led by Ryan Wood, with the help of Tom Hall, Tom Haxby, Will Brook, Alex Bilton and Disco we looked safe to secure a clean sheet. Until Frankie poorly gave away possession in the 80th minute and the Malburian left winger bent an effort into the corner of the net and went 1-0 up. Despite seemingly having clear control over the opposition the LOBs went on to lose the game 1-0. Despite the disappointing result, the LOBs played great football, all which bodes well for the season ahead.

Frankie T.