10 Men Win at Billingshurst

The Lingers turned up to the game wanting to end the run of defeats and secure 3 points. A good quick high intense warm up from The Lingers proved to be the difference between the 2 teams at the start of the game. With just 5 minutes gone sam bell got in behind the defense from a great ball from Marc mcevily despite Sam Bell lobbing the Goalkeeper the ball was lifted over the crossbar and The Lingers saw an early goal pass them by. It was only s few minutes later the home side played a short corner to open up a better angle for the cross, The Lingers switched off for the cross but luckily Olly Moore was there to make the save and Lingfield could get the ball out. Not long after Billingshurst got caught in behind again and it was Sam Bell with his trademark killer run. Richard Wetton knocks the ball over the centre halves for Sam Bell to latch onto and slot it past the keeper into the bottom corner 1-0 Lingfield with just under 10 minutes gone.
It wasn't long before The Lingers were on the attack again and this time it was with Connor Leech and his quick feet that pulled off the skill of the season beating his player which gave Connor the time and space to play the ball down the line for Sam Bell to cut across his man and get a shot off which the keeper saved, it was an overloaded box of players that took out Sam Bell which was clearly a penalty unfortunately Sam landed on his wrist with the early signs didnt look to promising for Sam to continue and as a result it led to Dixie making his first Sub. Sam was taken to Hospital by Sub Joe Kensett the lose of Sam so early in the game with 27 goals to his name this season was going to change the dynamics.
It wasn't long before the home side equalised with a bit of fortune when the ball was crossed in for the attacker who missed his touch but at his aid was his team mate who played him in and the shot was placed in the corner. 1-1.
Billingshurt got more confident going forward with a long ball over the top took them 1 on 1 with Olly, the shot beat Olly but charlie naylor was there to cover his goal keeper and prevent the ball from going in. Down the other end Lingfield had a corner which got cleared. Jake was there to header the ball back in but a vicious elbow to the face prevented him from doing so. Jake wanted the foul and didn't get it so he let the ref know, the ref sent jake off for dissent. The Lingers were outraged but the decision and had to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.
The sending off killed the game with a low intensity and both teams not really creating chances.
Half time 1-1.
The second half started with Lingfield looking to get on the front foot a long ball straight from kick off saw the lone striker Richard Wetton win a free kick which he took, although he didn't catch it as he hoped he still beat the keeper and got what would be an important goal. Lingfield, although had 10 mean still kept going forwards as the thought they would need another goal. A free kick was crossed into the box which was won by billingshurst but Lingfield got to 2nd ball. Stead put the ball into an area, luckily charlie Dodd was there but couldn't make a connection with the ball. Lingfield kept making chances, this time with Marc McEvilly using his strength in the box to hold off a defender and got a shot off but the shot was blocked, Lingfield still look a threat going forward. Lingers then made a sub which saw Charlie Naylor go off and saw new addition to the team AJ come on.
Billingshurst started to put pressure on The Lingers and made a few chances. A cross field ball from Richard to Ben Connolly that allowed young Ben to show what he's got. He took on his man and just but pulled the shot just wide. Moments after a good high press from Lingfield forced the home team to make a mistake which meant Richard was in on goal, he beat the keeper only to see the bell hit the outside of the post. A long throw into the box saw the ball land at captain David Heaton's feet but unfortunately the ball got was bouncing and bobbling and he struck the ball over the bar. Billingshurt really had to go for it now, it was all or nothing for them. The kept coming at the lingers but Lingfield kept there cool and managed to prevent them from scoring, whether it was a save from Olly or a block by the denfenders, Lingfield did not want to draw this match. At the very end Richard had a chance which the keeper saved but from then on it Lingfield kept the ball in the corner and saw out the win.
This was a huge win for Lingfield and it was a good way to end a horrible run.

MOM Charlie Dodd

Match Report By TJ Stead