Hellenic League Division Two South
Saturday 5th February
Danny Joyce continued his comeback from retirement in goal for Letcombe as Jack North is still injured, and Jamie Wallin returned in midfield replacing Dan Pear who was not available.
Clanfield chose to play with the strong wind in their favour and had most of the possession in the early stages, but the Letcombe defence of Aaran Mudie, Mikey Annetts, Sam Mulvey and Luke Mulvey allowed the lively Clanfield attack few clear shots on goal. Letcombe looked dangerous on the break, and Josh Fowler twice broke away on the left, but nobody was able to take advantage of his driven low cross. The hosts took the lead mid-way through the half when Kian Durkin cut in from the right and pulled the ball back for Jamie Wallin to net. Letcombe added a second four minutes later when Durkin drove the ball past visiting keeper Corey Kary from twelve yards. Clanfield responded immediately, and Finlay Heritage reduced the arrears with a shot which went in via the upright.
Letcombe controlled the second half with the wind behind them and almost increased their lead in the opening minutes. Kian Durkin beat two men and the ball rolled to Ben Marshall who shot over the bar from twelve yards. Substiture Jake Moss had an immediate impact, doing well to control a loose ball and place it past keeper Kary from ten yards. Letcombe had a great chance to make the game safe on the hour when Moss was fouled, but Josh Fowler`s penalty was well saved by Kary. Letcombe failed to create any clear openings in the final quarter, but never looked like conceding.
This was another pleasing team performance. Keeper Danny Joyce handled the ball well in difficult windy conditions, and the Letcombe back four again looked a very solid unit. Greg Nutley had an excellent game in his new role in centre midfield, forming a good understanding with Jamie Wallin. It was good to see Joe Blackwell get another 80 minutes following his long ansence from injury, and captain Josh Fowler lead by example with an amazing work rate which deserved a goal. This was Letcombe`s third consecutive victory, and they will be hoping to make it four when they visit Marlborough development next Saturday before a trip to Carterton on 19th.
