Lingers Win Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels

Goals from Mark Barnard and Sam Bell, along with a sterling performance from Olly Moore in goal, ensured a comfotable 2-0 victory for the Lingers.

The game started with a high tempo from both teams on an excellent playing surface at the Withdean stadium, previously the home of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club. Pressure from front men Brett Caiger and Sam Bell caused problems for AFC Vardeanians in the early stages, forcing mistakes in the back line of the opposition. It took no longer than 11 minutes for the Lingers to open the scoring when David Heaton delicately threaded a through ball to Bell, whose initial shot ricocheted back to his feet. With composure, Bell clipped the ball towards the edge of the area for Barnard to acrobatically volley the ball home off the underside of the bar: Lingfield FC 1-0 AFC Vardeanians.

The pressure continued to build with wide men Dan Frith and Matt Burroughs enjoying the space down the opposition's flanks. TJ Stead and Frith linked up well before playing the ball inside to meet the well-timed run of Caiger who made up tremendous ground only for his effort to be denied by the oncoming Vardeanian's goalkeeper. Next up, Charlie Dodd's long ball was flicked on by Bell to TJ Stead who was clattered by the Vardeanian's keeper just as the linesman flagged for offside. Lucky escape from what could have easily been a red card for the hosts!

There were few chances for the Vardeanians in the first half, with any attempts at a counter-attack being easily smothered by Moore's safe hands. To make matters worse, an ankle injury picked up by one of their attacking players on the right-hand flank gave the Lingers the injury time needed to secure a second goal. A defensive header from Charlie Dodd landed with Heaton who played the ball down the middle to Bell who then flicked it round with the outside of his boot, successfully evading the oncoming central defender to finish with a powerful drive into the far corner of the net.

Entering half time with a 2 goal lead gave the Lingers the confidence they needed to hold onto those important 3 points. Defenders McEvilly and Dodd had more to do as Vardeanians pushed for a goal, while Moore acted as sweeper, coming off his line on several occasions. The Lingers' defence proved too strong for the hosts, who were denied the opportunity to close the gap.

On the attack again, Lingers' right-back Connor Leech launched a diagonal ball to Barnard whose good footwork found Frith on the edge of the area. Frith's clean shot on goal was impressive but slightly too powerful as it carried over the crossbar with enough momentum to reach the English Channel. This was followed by another spout of attempted attacks from the opposition, which were again diffused well by the Lingers' back four.

Caiger's impressive work rate in the first half had understandably taken its toll, as he and Barnard made way for Jake Horn and Harry Middleton to bolster the midfield and leave Bell as the lone striker. Meanwhile, the Vardeanians injected more pace into their attack, with a one-on-one opportunity being stopped by a covering interception from Leech. This was the cue for the Lingers to make their final substitution, bringing on experienced Joe Kensett to replace Charlie Dodd and freshen up the central defence for the final 10 minutes of the game.

Impressive defending from Leech and Kensett kept the clean sheet right up to the final whistle, ensuring another solid victory for Lingfield. Man of the match was suitably awarded to Moore who played with confidence throughout the game. With those points in the bag, attention now turns to Tuesday night's league clash at Seaford Town FC where the Lingers will be looking for another win to keep moving up the table.

MOM Olly Moore

By Sam Bell

Photos By Mike Moore