Last Gasp Tommo strikes Gold
Keyworth’s
recent fine run continued as Thomas Leatherland’s late goal
earned them all the points in this highly entertaining
encounter with the league’s form team.
On a bright, if chilly, Platt Lane morning, the Greens,
kicking downhill, warmed up the home fans with a sparkling
opening which saw Marek, Tommo and Danny go close before
their pressure finally told some twelve minutes in. A
training ground routine saw Ben’s throw-in find Danny just
inside the box. Turning quickly and firing in low shot
which was well saved by the keeper, Danny reacted sharpest
and bundled the loose ball over the line to give Keyworth a
deserved lead. Thereafter, it was all Keyworth and with
Jacob Watson outstanding, opportunities galore were being
created …and missed! Chance after chance went begging.
Marek fired over, then over-ran the ball when one on one
with the goalie; Tommo drove wide and then shot straight at
the keeper when well placed; Danny’s overhead shot went
close and Cian’s drive from distance also tested the
keeper. Just as it looked like the Bestwood defence would
hold firm, we finally made it through the barricades with
the final kick of the half. Tommo, running free on the
right, cut inside and, with all screaming for the pass,
beat the keeper with a firm near post
drive.
How we needed that last second goal! Even then we still
worried that we’d be made to pay for the failure to convert
our numerous first half chances. With more composure we’d
have been out of sight…but, hey, this is Keyworth United -
we never take the easy option! As the second half started
however, all out fears seemed groundless as Keyworth
started well with Tommo driving wide following Sam’s
excellent run. Bestwood though had their own ideas and now
playing with the wind and slope advantage, started to take
the game to Keyworth. It was backs to the wall stuff for
the Green’s as Bestwood poured forward.
Keyworth’s resolute defence held firm for seven minutes
before Rangers grabbed a lifeline. A Rangers forward showed
great strength in shrugging off the tenacious Peter
Hennessy’s challenge and fired a shot beyond Sam’s
despairing drive for a fine goal. This turned up the heat
on Keyworth and the pressure intensified, but with good
communication across the back line and Cian adding some
extra bite and battling well in midfield, we still looked
solid. Famous last words eh? With four defenders in the box
when a firm BPR twenty-five yarder crashed against the bar,
the lone striker should have been made to feel as welcome
as Phil Neville in an England shirt, but instead was
extended a police escort by Keyworth who stepped aside to
allow him a clear path to drive the rebound past a
perplexed and isolated Sam for the equaliser. This wasn’t
one for the highly strung!
These were now tough times for Keyworth and only frantic
defending by Douglas and Isaac, along with some competent
‘keeping by Sam maintained the status quo. With a possible
upset on the cards, we needed to shake things up and with
ten minutes remaining, Marek was re-introduced to unsettle
the visitors with his pace. This worked a treat! His speed
created unease amongst the visitors and Keyworth started to
get forward again. As the clock ticked down, the ball found
Sam Clements out left on the half way line. Off he went on
another of those magnificent mazy runs, leaving defender
after defender in his wake, before sending over a pin point
cross to the unmarked Tommo on the edge of the area.
Showing great composure, Tommo took the ball in his stride,
closed in on goal and shot low beyond the keeper to strike
gold for Keyworth and send the home fans delirious.
Keyworth locked the door for the ninety seconds that
followed and held on comfortably to claim victory.
A fantastic end to a smashing game which was a pleasure to
be associated with! Bestwood, on this evidence clearly the
most improved side in league, put on an excellent show
which fully tested Keyworth.
To cut a long story short, we should have made the game
safe by half time but when we needed to fight for
ourselves, we battled well to record a splendid victory and
move back into top six. In the end, Jacob and Cian’s
determination, along with Isaac, Harry, Luke and Pete’s
assurance and Tommo’s final touch, got us through.
We’ll need more of the same over the coming weeks as we
face the top two in consecutive matches. That’ll be a true
test of our ability!