Town up into third

LINCS SATURDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

GAINSBOROUGH Town moved up to third in the league after a fantastic win over league leaders Cleethorpes Town Reserves.

A goal in either half from Craig Lill made it 10 wins in a row for Town.

Gainsborough had made four changes to last weeks team, Danny Markham replacing Liam Andrews, Josh Nichol moving into centre half for the suspended Ashley Holland, Lill returning up front after a three-week lay off and Jamie Shaw coming back to replace Dean Szendrey on the left.

Town also welcomed new signing James Dickinson into the squad, taking a place on the bench.

Cleethorpes started brightly and had most of the ball in the first 10 minutes but the back three of Page, Nichol and Locking were once again in fantastic form against the two tricky Cleethorpes strikers.

Steve Hutchinson was close to breaking the deadlock as he raced to the front post to meet a low Greg Andrews corner but was unfortunate not to guide it in from six yards.

The game threatened to boil over when tackles in the midfield started to get tasty from both teams, leaving plenty of players rolling around on the floor and cards being dished out regularly.

Once again Leigh Hutchinson and Jamie Shaw were provding excellent penetration down the wings and covering back to help the back three when needed, against arguably the best full backs they have faced this season.

Craig Mettam, Greg Andrews and Steve Hutchinson were bossing the midfield in the centre of the park

Gainsborough took the lead against the run of play when Mettam played the ball over the top, it was chased down by Lill and he hit a first time shot which flew into the far corner leaving the keeper with no chance.

He could and should have made it 2-0 5 minutes later but for an excellent one handed save from the Cleethorpes keeper.

Town went 2-0 up on the hour after the Cleethorpes keeper dropped an Andrews free-kick from out wide and Lill was at hand to prod his 20th goal of the season from a yard out.

Dickinson then replaced Lill to make his debut, and he had an instant impact creating two chances for himself, unlucky not to hit the back of the net.

All in all it was a great performance against the best side Town had played this season, and possibly the best display of the season by the Gainsborough.

Boss Mallett will have plenty to think about over the next few weeks with players returning from injury and suspension and the addition of Dickinson.