Lancing College 1st XI - Friendly (A)

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The mighty LOBs set their eyes on a first win of the season at the old stomping ground of the College. Facing a College side filled with "tecky ballers" according to some of the younger members of the squad, it looked to be an uphill battle when half of the squad arrived to the sight of the College XI warming up. With a handful of the squad chatting to old school acquaintances, most notably Joseph Ochola bragging about starting in the LOBs XI (failing to mention the 12th man of the squad being unaccountably late), the LOBs began their no-nonsense warm a mere 20 minutes before kick-off. With a typically inspired team talk from Frankie Tudball, the LOBs were raring to go against the squad of under-18's.

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The first half was contested on a knife edge, both teams' goals seemed impregnable, until the College XI goalkeeper made an error in judgement to give George Hockey a golden chance to open the scoring, which he did, 1-0. Bradley Harman, not to be outdone by the College keeper, greeted the football like a warm friend and invited it into the LOBS goal following a free kick that should've been catching practice. With parity restored, the teams fought hard but went into half time at 1-1.

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After a quick water break, the teams were back out on the College carpet for an open second half, where chances were squandered for both sides to take the lead. Harry Simpson suddenly decided to give the LOBs' liability insurance a test run, when he went into a challenge at shin height, using both feet. Fortunately for the opposition right back, and Harry, he won the ball cleanly and gave the referee no reason to take any action regarding the challenge. William Simpson, not to be outshone by his brother, looked to seal the game when the ball found him at the edge of the box, with the goal gaping. Naturally, the ball sailed over the net and nearly found its way to the crypt of the Lancing College chapel.

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After the strike, the squad thought Will had a spout of dance fever, as he acquired cramp in both calves at the same time. Shortly after, Will bettered that effort from a similar distance when his strike cannoned against the crossbar. A tiring LOBs side suffered attack after attack and fortunately weathered them all, until a break away in the dying embers of the game gave the match a finale fitting for the occasion. George expertly found Freddie Browne on the left-hand side, who chipped the College XI keeper for a last-gasp winner. A cagey last few minutes was ended with the referee's whistle, to the delight of the LOBs and the dismay of the College, who must have felt like they deserved better for their efforts.

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However, the LOBs were victorious for the first time this season and it felt all the sweeter in Shoreham town centre after the match. The man of the match was Isaac Abatan for hoofing the ball every now and then and putting in one slide challenge. The mug of the match was a toss-up between Will Simpson and Bradely Harman, for the dance moves and the poppadom wrists respectively, however, William had a conveniently timed shift and was MIA for the voting post-match.

The LOBS go marching on! #upthelobs

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Isaac A