The Lions roared into action with Ben Goggin up front a constant threat running at the Oadby defence with good support from Callum Bramley and Aidan Dolman offering good width.

Sam Dunn controlled the midfield as he always does, winning the ball and turning defence into attack at every opportunity even if it means getting very muddy!!

Karrick Ferguson growing in confidence bringing the ball out of defence going around 3 players before shooting just wide. Corie Beck who is in great form, along with Karrick have built quite a partnership in defence and with Jacob Hawkins in goal Rugby were unlucky to concede in a to and fro first half.

It was all Rugby in the second half with Sam hitting the cross bar, Aidan just blazing wide and the Oadby goalkeeper pulling off save after save, finally Jack Baker pulled Rugby back level. Ben, Cheno and Corie all went close but the winning goal just would not come.

Rugby dominated the first half with Jack Baker up front.

Cheno Garcia, Sam Dunn and Callum Bramley (who had one cleared off the line) controlling the midfield throughout with good passing and great runs down the wings and the crosses were top draw, resulting in Ratby's goal being constantly under seige.

Rugby got their goal when they were awarded a clear cut penalty, which Jack stepped up and slotted away. Man of the match Corie Beck and Karrick Ferguson were kept very busy at the start of the second half and despite Aidan Dolman in goal making two good saves Ratby took a two goal lead against the run of play

Rugby regrouped with Ben Goggin and the fight back was on, Cheno scored a delightful long range goal.

In the final five minutes the Lions peppered the Ratby goal but it just would not go in.

Despite the terrible pitch, it was Rugby who displayed the better football throughout the game with good passing from all the players who all contributed to a very good team perfomance.

With a little fortune the Lions could of ran out comfortable winners. With only three minutes gone Ben Goggin had hit the bar and Jacob Hawkin had shot over the bar when hitting the net would of been far easier. Ben who harrased the Magpies defence throughout linked up well with Jacob and Cheno Garcia, later Sam Dunn ran through to blaze over the bar.

Against the run of play Thurmaston scored a goal mouth scramble to take the lead. Michael Suddens and Callum Bramley were ever dependable in switching defence to attack. Aidan Dolman and Karrick Ferguson continued the threat in the second half down the wings with Karrick having a feirce shot turned over in the dying moments.

Excellent performance despite the final score.

Another good performance from the Lions, saw them record their first league win.

Jacob Hawkins in goal, with Michael Suddens and Karrick Ferguson at the back provided a platform for the midfield of Corie Beck, Ben Goggin and Sam Dunn to get forward to support Jason Moyse who held the ball up very well, with good passing to supply the wingers. Rugby scored from a well delivered corner from Ben which Sam calmly finished off.

At half time Aidan Dolman, Cheno Garcia, Jack Baker and Jacob came on to contribute to an entertaining game, which was end to end with Jack creating two chances and Jacob heading over the bar from a Cheno cross who was a constant threat throughout. Jason also made a brilliant save, punching the ball over the bar and commanded his area thorughout.

Another very close game for the Lions, who conceded early doors.

Once the Lions had woken up to the challenge, they dominated the first half with Sam Dunn, Jacob Hawkins and a fine display from Michael Suddens they took control of the midfield.

But it was Jack Baker who was outstanding throughout who really took the game to Ratby, first he hit the post from a Jason Moyse corner, then he put it just over the bar, finally he forced Ratby into a mistake to allow him to bravely score just on the brink of half time.

At 1-1 Rugby now with Karrick Ferguson, Callum Bramley and Chino Garcia on a substitutes it was all Rugby with Ratby breaking occasionally. Corie Beck and Aidan Dolman both pressed down the wings. Unfortunately it was not to be Rugby's day when Ratby managed to score the winner with just seconds remaining on the clock.

Well Played Lions.

Date

H/A

Opposition

W/D/L

Score

10/09

A

Oadby Owls

D

2-2

Manager

Gary Dolman

Training is to be confirmed.

Rugby Town Juniors have a fantastic team of coaches with qualifications to match.  Read more about them here.

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