South Lakes come out on top against Preston's 4th team in a resolute team performance.
In an intense start to the match, South Lakes broke the deadlock with a fine reverse finish from Paddy on the 5 minute mark, but Preston quickly equalized due to some clumsy Lakes defending.
It wasn't long before Preston scored a second, the momentum of the first goal had spurred them on and Lakes had to dig in deep to stay in the game. Some top class defending from cameo appearing Neil Cooke and Jack Clutterbuck, alongside saves from returning GK Dave Bishop-Miller kept Lakes in the game and then high intensity from the the midfield trio of Fergus, Clutz and Bri lead to a succession of short corners being won.
Up steps Alex Gaydon... he was first to react when the Preston GK denied Lee's short corner strike, stabbing the ball into the back of the net. The momentum then swung in Lakes' favor and they pushed to take the lead before the half time whistle. A goal mouth scramble led to the ball popping up and Gaydon strikes again, smashing the ball home on the volley!
3-2 half time.
South Lakes started the second half strong, the introduction of young Lucas Hopkins almost resulted in his first goal for the club as he ran the forward line, but he quickly needed substituting to tie his hair out of his eyes and into a questionable topknot (cue todays DOD).
Standout performances from all of the young South Lakes players meant opportunities kept on coming in the second half, however, Alex was unable to complete his hat-trick in a one on one following Lee's self proclaimed "pass of the match". It was Lee himself who sealed off the win from a well worked short corner routine.
Man of the match was awarded to Paddy for his "intense" work-rate on the wing.... special mention goes to the versatile Toby Miller, appearing all over the pitch throughout the game. Any one of the squad could've been awarded MotM as the whole team raised their game this week, massive improvements have been made across the season!