FOOTBALL: IN-FORM Lutterworth Town slammed the door shut on the only team that could have caught them in the league on Saturday after beating Friar Lane and Epworth 3-1 on the road.
There was much speculation as to whether Lutterworth should have been allowed to call themselves champions, after it was still mathematically possible to be overtaken by Friar Lane.
However, Saturday’ opponents would have had to win all their remaining five games (including beating Lutterworth), score in excess of 60 goals and hope that the Swifts lose their last four games without scoring a goal. The smallest of chances, but a chance nonetheless.
A win or a draw for Lutterworth would still the mathematician’s pencils and well and truly put the league title in the Swifts hands.
Ironically, Friar Lane gave Lutterworth a guard of honour before kick-off which was gratefully appreciated by Lutterworth who looked more mobile and adventurous in the opening stages of the match.
A few half chances from both teams came and went, then a couple of minutes before the break Callum Tott won the ball back on the right flank and slid the ball into the feet of Jordan Small on the edge of the six-yard box.
Small pinned his marker, turned and slotted the ball under the keeper to give Lutterworth the lead at half time.
Friar Lane got themselves back into the match early in the second half when a long ball was not dealt with by the visiting defence and Kristian Bee was beaten by a low finish.
Bee then made an incredible save to keep the score level from a smashed volley which was heading into the top corner of the net until the Lutterworth shot-stopper flung himself across the goal to parry away to safety.
The visitors went 2-1 in front when man-of-the-match Callum Tott won the ball back on the edge of the Lane box and crossed for Tendai Daire to somehow find a way past the Friar Lane keeper.
Jordan Small then put the icing on the cake when he scored a fantastic goal, all of his own making.
After pressurising the right back, Small won the ball and closed down on goal before getting his angles spot-on as he slid the ball past the keeper and into the absolute corner of the net.
This Saturday Lutterworth are on the road again when they travel to Bardon Hill.
