Loddon’s fate in their own hands

LODDON got their ‘great escape’ back on track over the Easter weekend with wins over Kirkley and Dersingham – the latter a ‘six-pointer’ against one of their relegation rivals.

This now leaves their fate in their own hands with a point in the last game enough to guarantee safety.

Loddon 3, Kirkley & P Res 0

Stebbings had to make a point-blank save in the opening minute but after that Loddon dominated most of the first half. Squire got them on their way after Dan Andersen and Greenhalf spread the play and Squire scrambled in the latter’s cross.

Robin Andersen then severely tested the keeper before the break.

Marjoribanks nodded on a goalkick, Squire fed a through ball into Dan Andersen who finished superbly from a tight angle. Summons and Dan both had shots wide and a spectacular volley by Baylis was not far away. Loddon were awarded penalty when Marjoribanks was pulled over in the box. He stepped up and netted it.

A solid performance considering the pressure they were under and credit must go to the back five of Stebbings, Hancock, Baylis, Durrant and Robin Andersen for their part and securing a clean sheet.

Musker McIntyre MoM: Robin Andersen.

Loddon 4, Dersingham Rovers 2

Monday saw the visit of Dersingham Rovers, who had just 11 players but put up a great fight.

Loddon could have gone behind when Baylis was outpaced to a through-ball, but Stebbings narrowed the angle and blocked brilliantly. He made a timely interception soon after.

Dan Andersen had a chance off target and one cleared off the line from a Greenhalf cross. Again it was just before the break when Loddon broke the deadlock.

A Hancock throw-in was challenged by Baylis, it fell to Dan Andersen off a defender and Dan squeezed it in.

Loddon extended their lead when a lovely ball from defence by Robin found Dan Andersen running into the box. He side-stepped the keeper and unselfishly squared for Marjoribanks to have an easy tap-in.

With Loddon now looking dominant, they were stopped in their tracks. Summons was beaten on the edge of his box and a Rovers shot was deflected in off a post.

Crisp then volleyed over and Hancock made a great covering challenge when Durrant was beaten.

Dersingham broke and forced Stebbings into a great one-handed save.

A great touch by Hancock fed Dan Andersen, who crossed to the far post where Greenhalf headed home.

But a Dersingham goal got Loddon’s nerves jangling again. Summons’ hard work was rewarded when Durrant won possession, found Marjoribanks. He fed Summons to drive into the box and score. Musker McIntyre MoM: Chris Hancock.