A disclaimer when reading this match report. Following feedback from higher league clubs, we are replacing our player names with nicknames to avoid our match reports being used as scouting reports.

We are brilliant from min 1 to what it seemed like min 105, as we fought from 2-0 down against title chasing Anstey Town to grab a well-deserved 2-2 draw. 4 points this season against the potential league champions.

Key today was working together as a team and having leaders throughout the spine of the team and we had that with Kasper Schmeichel in goal, Captain, Leader, Legend Kenny Sansom in defence, Dennis Wise in midfield and our man of the match the excellent Duncan Ferguson up front.

The spine were supported by Terry Butcher, Stuart Pearce and Nemanja Vidic in defence, Graham Souness, Mark Albrighton, Olly Watkins and Neil Webb in Midfield.

Ellistown started the game on fire and as per recent games had enough chances to win the game within the 1st 30 mins. Anstey were struggling to cope with our energy as we chased down every ball and put our bodies on the line.

This was an excellent game of football that was played in the right sprit. We knew Anstey are a quality side, therefore we should take great credit as we defended as a team to shut the door.

Those who have watched Ellistown this season will know what's coming next. After controlling the game for 43 mins, we let Anstey take the lead when we lost the ball in midfield and Anstey took full advantage when Zak Harris swept home.

AT 1-0 EFC 43 mins

When your luck's out, it's out. As on the stroke of half-time, Anstey doubled the lead when another cool finish, this time from Casey Richardson made it 2-0.

AT 2-0 EFC 45 mins and HT

A superb half-time team talk from the management focused on believing in yourselves to get back into the game gave the lads a shot of energy.

We started the 2nd half playing without fear and energy that forced Anstey back. Could we get the goal to get us back in the game?

This time, the answer was yes as a Stuart Pearce free-kick thunderbolt on 62 mins got us back in the game.

AT 2-1 EFC 62 mins

Encouraged by a vocal bench led by Sam Hope, we went for Anstey who were content to play on the break, something they do well and we were dependent on Kasper in goal and some crucial last ditch defending challenges to keep us in the game.

On 75 mins, Pat Nevin was introduced for Olly Watkins who had worked his socks off and deserved a couple of goals. Olly, your time will come.

Within a minute of coming on, Pat made a jinking run down the wing and sent over a peach of cross that had Duncan Ferguson jumping Ronaldo style to head the ball into the net. Everyone associated with Ellistown went mental.

AT 2-2 EFC 78 mins

Could we get the winner or would Anstey snatch the points as both teams went for it? Inspired by Pat Nevin and Mark Albrighton on the wings, we attacked with intent and on more than one occasion were inches away from grabbing the winner.

Likewise for Anstey, they had chances.

Injury time seemed to go on for ages as the Ellistown faithful pleaded for the final whistle when Anstey attacked and were hoping the ref would not blow for full-time when we attacked.

In the end, the ref blew and it was point shared in a great advert of Leicestershire Senior League Premier League football.

AT 2-2 EFC FT

Summary

Well done Ellistown FC, it's not often you go to a top 2 team and come away disappointed but happy with a 2-2 draw. This game proves we have a football team who put their heart and soul into the shirt.

Well done to Boots, Petch and the coaching team who were excellent in managing the side.

The challenge now is to take this performance into next week's league cup tie v Mountsorrel.