Lingfield got a much needed win on Saturday afternoon as they moved away from the relegation zone of the Southern Combination Premier Division. It was a game which could have gone either way, but the Lingers left Tinsley Lane, the home of Oakwood FC, with all three points.
In a hard fought first half which ended 0-0. Lingers came close with a few early opportunities but couldn’t beat the inform YMCA keeper.
However, YM had the majority of the possession but were not able to get the ball in the back of the net. New signings, Alex Barbary and Elliott Romain worked their socks off but the chances just weren’t falling for them.
The opening goal came on the 57th minute, Lingfield were causing the YM defence some problems and Elliot Cannon found some space and smashed the ball into the back of the net.
Just a few minutes later YM got the equaliser when the attacking right back, Sam Henderson crossed the ball and the classy former youth product, Luke Harrison smashed the ball home from the edge of the box.
At 1-1, the game was open with both teams believing they could win. Then the pendulum swung in favour of the away team. Lingfield’s Captain, Tom Heaton got his marching orders from referee David Smith. With twenty minutes remaining YM really fancied their chances to take home the three points.
However, the Lingers regrouped and were able to withstand YM’s attacks and in the 78th minute Lingfield shocked the away team the skilful Ousemani Balie-Dansuku broke free and scored the winner, 2-1.
YM did their best to find an equaliser, Connor Collcutt was brought on but even with his talent and composure he was unable to save the day YMCA falling to their sixth league defeat of the season
Lingers are on their travels next weekend as they head to Eastbourne United whilst YMCA face Wick FC at home.