Leamington got three points this afternoon with a 2-1 win over Histon, but they made hard work of it and it was painful to watch much of the time. Admittedly, they weren't helped by a referee who was determined to give everything to the visitors.
It was a bitterly cold afternoon, but the attendance of 312 reflects what fans think of the current standard of football, even if we are in the play off positions.
The game was preceded by a minute's silence for the victims in France. In the latter part of this week, I was working in Brussels, using the Metro and everything seemed relatively normal. Today the city is in lockdown.
The Brakes had a few early half chances, but their efforts well off target. At times the game degenerated into a succession of throw ins for either side. The ball control by the Brakes was poor.
The young referee is obviously seen as a bright hope, but didn't have a clue. Tony Breeden won the ball with a tackle, but was shown a yellow card. The free kick came off the wall. Then Chilton was picked out well to score the opener with a tap in. All credit to Ben Mackey who pulled the ball back across the goal.
For reasons that were unclear, Histon withdrew captain Rogan McGeorge and brought on Lewis Clayton, one of only three subs on their bench. The referee gave Ogleby (or was it Magunda?) a yellow card for reasons that were unclear. The free kick deflected off the wall and was gathered by Breeden. Oulton then got a yellow card, allegedly for leading with his elbow.
After the break Chilton put in a couple of great balls across the front of the goal, but no one was able to connect. Histon were starting to get their act together, but fears of an equaliser were put to rest when Mackey scored (at least that's what it was announced as, but it may have been an own goal).
Luke Trotman replied almost immediately with a goal for Histon. The Luton Town loan player had been a real menace on the wing and he continued to be. He needed man marking, but was given acres of space in which to operate. Late on, he had a penalty claim.
A countdown had begun in the stands for the appearance of Will Green, but he came on as a very late substitution, Taundry having already been brought on in place of Mackey.
In the closing minutes, Chilton put the ball over the bar when he had an open goal in front of him. For a moment it looked as if the referee would book him for kicking the ball away.
Histon were there for the taking, but they nearly claimed a point. Given that we are second, this may all sound a bit negative, but I still think that we are hoofing the ball too much, although there was some good passing. Credit to Jamie Hood for some solid defensive work.
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