Cup Defeat

MLFC tasted defeat for the first time this season as they bowed out of the league cup at the hands of Rayners Lane.

The hosts were boosted by a number of players for this midweek game that ensured an excellent and well fought match. MLFC dominated possession and chances, but two freakish goals coupled with some superb defending and goalkeeping ensured Lane were the victors.

MLFC had plenty of opportunities to score, Stanton drawing a quite brilliant save and Cash striking the upright the closest they came in a first half in which they played some good football and were on top. They also had 3 reasonable shoutrs for a oenelaty but nothing given, one when Stanton was pulled back as he was about to slot home seemed pretty blatant to most. But as is football's want, just shy of the half hour Lane countered. From the left corner of box Rayner held up his man who span back and hit what seemed to be a hopeful cross on the turn. But it turned into an almost perfect lob, Abrahams able to just watch and admire it said over his head on the wind and into the top corner. And just before half time the killer second, this time a free kick from over 35 yards was struck low, Abrahams mis-judging it's direction, horrified to see it nestle in the net.

MLFC kept their patience for much pf the second half, by the end of the game playing just one at the back! Yet Abrahams hardly had a touch as the kitchen sink was thrown at Lane. But credit where it's due they defended their lead with gusto, making blocks, winning headers, surviving two more good penalty claims and seeing their keeper pull off half a dozen fine stops. It really was one way traffic but try as they might Maccabi just couldn't get that elusive goal and it had that feeling at the final whistle that had they played for another hour the ball was imply not going to go in.

Hats off to Lane for taking their chances and then playing out a great game. They have an abasultely superb facility and now have a team to match. We wish them the very