Brown hat-trick aids Loddon

Anglian Combination Division One leaders Loddon had a vital 3-0 win against strong promotion contenders Holt, who can feel a little hard done by, but it's all about getting the ball in the net.

Although Loddon had the better of the opening minutes, Holt's timing of tackles and headers left Loddon second best for most of the half. Holt sent their first real chance screaming over the bar from 12 yards. Baylis just missed a Brown free-kick and almost converted a corner.

Holt had another good effort brilliantly blocked by Collins, and Baylis cleared the rebound. Another free-kick went over the home bar.

Loddon had a brief spell of pressure as Wright found Gary Summons, who played a neat ball inside the full back to Hancock. The keeper saved and Brown and Wright both had chances go begging. A corner was again wasted.

On 35 minutes Loddon's fortunes changed. Ricky Summons turned his man and won a free-kick outside the box, which Brown casually fired low just inside the far post.

Holt responded and Way and Baylis combined twice to clear crosses and Hancock cleared off the line. Andersen was beaten on his inside and Collins made a great save.

Andersen made amends when beaten again by recovering to make a great tackle to come away with the ball and set up a counter.

Hancock picked out Brown on the right who crossed early, but the keeper thwarted Wright, and Loddon went into the break lucky to be 1-0 up.

The second half started with a Holt attack down their right but Collins cleared and Way put in a good block on the six-yard box.

Baylis put in a thunderous tackle on Holt's right back to regain possession. After lengthy treatment the full back was back into action. They hoisted the free-kick goal-wards and won the header but were unable to finish.

Baylis went close to converting. At the other end a series of corners led to a Collins fumble, a deflected shot and a great diving header to clear by Hancock. Holt pegged a nervous-looking Loddon back for a long period.

Twenty minutes into the half and against the run of play Loddon broke. Brown touched to Wright, a great return ball through the gap and Brown chipped the on-rushing keeper in style to make it 2-0.

Gricks was replaced by Matt Sadler and shortly after Hancock made way for Dan Andersen. The latter was put through by Shipley but toe-poked his effort just wide as the keeper closed him down.

Sadler fed Gary Summons in the box and he worked his magic to draw the tackle and Loddon were awarded a penalty. Brown made no mistake in gaining his hat-trick with 12 minutes left.

Battisson then replaced Wright and his presence up front enabled Loddon to compete rather more physically. Some quick passing between him, Brown and Dan Andersen created a couple of chances and Ricky Summons' effort was smothered by the keeper.

The Andersen brothers combined and Dan put in a great ball to give Battisson a chance, but he chipped just wide. Loddon finished with a goalless flourish.

Loddon United: Collins, Shipley, Way, Baylis, Andersen R, Hancock, Summons G, Summons R, Gricks, Brown, Wright. Subs: Sadler, M, Andersen D, Battisson.

Tomorrow, Loddon visit Attleborough.