Duchy three

Roche 2

Lamerton CFC 4

SATURDAY’s fixture for top of the table Lamerton CFC had added significance following their heartbreak of a points penalty the previous week.

Travelling to third placed Roche, Lamerton knew they had their work cut out to maintain their unbeaten run.

Roche started the fixture well and caused the visitors huge problems in the midfield and quickly took control of the game. It got worse for Lamerton when the hosts took an early and deserved lead on eight minutes.

An early 20th minute substitution by the visitors and a further change in formation, saw the unfortunate Dave Byworth withdrawn. Eventually Lamerton began to claw themselves back into the game.

After 25 minutes the tables had turned and Lamerton were the team on top creating several opportunities with the lively Sam Hicks and Nathan Panter both coming close. Substitute Robbie Court. Paul Cowling and Jamie Court began controlling the middle of the park although the visitors could not claim the all important equaliser before the break.

The second half saw Lamerton make the break through after 53 minutesl when Daryl Panter surged through on the left to slot the ball calmly home and continue his rich vein of goal scoring form.

Lamerton, firmly in control of the game, took the lead soon after from a diving header from captain Paul Cowling who had a fine display in midfield.

Defensively the visitors were in control, despite goalkeeper Dan Behennah being replaced after a rash challenge with the departing Josh McDonald replacing him; with Graham Galway dominating in the air and Jack Payne a perfect partner in the central role and both Blair Vanstone and Glen Holmes at full back strong in their duties. Roche could not find a way through.

Panter claimed Lamerton’s third with an acrobatic scissor kick following great work from Hicks on the right.

The hosts reduced to 10 men were left vulnerable and Lamerton used the space well, claiming a fourth soon after when man of the match Sam Hicks again broke away and the chasing defenders clumsy challenge resulted in a penalty.

Although Nathan Panter’s penalty was saved he calmly claimed his second from the rebound.

Roche scored a late goal but it came too late to stop Lamerton claiming a hard fought win.