Leigh RMI Reserves 1 Fleetwood Town Reserves 1
Lancit Haulage Lancashire League
10^th November 2007
Goals: FTFC – Johnathan Smith

This was not the best preparation for this top of the table clash, with work commitments, injury and illness dictating changes in personnel. With weather conditions and probably the biggest pitch in the league to contend with, this was always going to be a battle. RMI having, conceded only six goals to date, were going to be tough to break down, but Town dominated possession of the game with five across the middle of the park, and playing Paul Bailey on his own up front.

The home side struggled to cope with Davis, Donnelly and Haddow, keeping them confined in their own half for most of the first half. The breakthrough came on 33 minutes with a corner delivered by Donnelly converted perfectly by Jonathan Smith.

The second half saw Leigh RMI start the better and it came as no surprise when they drew level. A misunderstanding at the back allowed the Leigh forward a free run on goal and he made no mistake with a crisp finish. Town responded well but were dealt a cruel blow when Paul Haddow went down in the corner with damaged knee and had to be stretchered off. A quick reshuffle saw Tallentire coming on as a make shift centre forward. Five minutes later Ryan Croft came off with a dead leg, being replaced by Stuart Harris at left back and putting Chris Dust at right back. Despite the changes Fleetwood came on strong again towards the end with Paul Bailey working tirelessly on his own up front and Ciaran Donnelly, Mark Davis and Jonathan Smith all having chances to win it. Luck also deserted Town as a good penalty claim was waved away, a shot cleared off the line and striking a post.

A good point against one of the top sides, when Town were clearly under strength, is no mean feat and the side can take great credit for their performance. Jonathan Smith was superb at the back and it was encouraging to see Matthew Mecklenburg, the U18 forward, come off the bench to make his senior debut.

Team: M Smith, Croft (Harris 65), Dust, Bryan, J Smith, Hone, Davis, Donnelly, Haddow (Tallentire 60), Bailey (Mecklenburg), Webster.