Canaries 3-2 AFC Lostock Hall

at Preston Sports Arena: 19th February 2012

Canaries secured their first win in four games, as they were made to battle for the 3 points against a very good AFC Lostock Hall side.

It would have been quite easy for Canaries to have felt sorry for themselves following the manner of their midweek defeat, however manager Shadaab's pre-match talk ensured there was no chance of that happening. The initial stages of the game saw Lostock Hall retain much of the ball without causing the home side too many problems, as Rundini and skipper Ahmed marshalled a well organised defence, with Lulat at right back holding his own. At the other end top scorer Baroot and Toorawah were making a nuisance of themselves with some clever link up play, as Saj Kalang and Kaiser Ahmed provided the support.

Ahmed's desire and determination is worth an extra man to any team and It was Ahmed coming in from the right, who created the first goal as he out muscled a Lostock player to provide Toorawah with a shooting opportunity, which he lashed home, leaving the keeper stranded. Lostock Hall rallied as they put Canaries under pressure but the hosts stood firm.

Canaries suffered an early injury blow as Haji was forced off, being replaced by veteran Junaid Kalang. The Canaries goal forced Lostock Hall to step up the tempo, which suited Canaries, as they managed to exploit the gaps further up the field as Canaries found themsleves in promising situations. It wasn't long before, Baroot scored his 17th goal of the season with a simple tap in.

Canaries came into the break with a 2 goal lead, but were reminded in no uncertain terms, by manager Shadaab, that the game was far from over, as the previous game had proved.

AFC Lostock Hall came out for the second half in determined mood and it wasn't long before they pulled a goal back. Canaries were now retreating deeper and deeper as Lostock piled on the pressure, with the Canaries forwards largely feeding on scraps. For all Lostock's pressure, Canaries remained extremely disciplined, as the visitors didn't create any clear cut opportunities, although keeper Ohemeng had to be alert of a few occasions. It wasn't long however, before Lostock equalised as a ball into the box eluded everyone allowing a simple tap in.

It appeared to be a case of deja-vu as they let another 2 goal lead slip. Canaries could have quite easily folded, however this time they were determined there would be no repeat, as Hafeji and Otutu regained the midfield. Toorawah had an excellent opportunity twice to put Canaries ahead again but shot straight at the keeper. It proved not to be costly has Otutu scored after Baroot was initially foiled, following great work from Toorawah.

Canaries held on to secure 3 much needed points against an excellent AFC Lostock Hall side.

MOTM - Team - an excellent disciplined performance by all including subs Kaffo and Ali, as some great counter attacking provided the win.