Super Squire does it again for Loddon

Spixworth United 2, Loddon United 3.

Saviour sub Squire did it again for Loddon. In the last match he provided a last-minute equaliser, and in this match he scored the winner in this early kick-off against close rivals Spixworth United.

Loddon started with an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation in an attempt to be more effective on the offensive, but it was Spixworth who looked dangerous, breaking at pace down the left flank and capitalising on the extra space. Midway through the half, Knights took a quick throw on the left to Parkin.

He found Dan Andersen in space, who chipped into the box, only for Sadler to be tripped. Marjoribanks stepped up and fired the penalty straight down the middle, giving the diving keeper no chance. Spixworth started to knock longer balls, but Durrant was strong, even when the rain came to make life difficult.

Spixworth again capitalised on the extra space on their left, Chris Andersen was outnumbered, and the low, driven cross was converted close in by ex-Loddon striker Hayton to level the scores at 1-1.

Spixworth almost took the lead with another cross from the left, Robin Andersen challenged and fortunately for Loddon the ball hit a Spixworth hand. A free kick was given and Loddon took full advantage as the home team rued their bad luck. Parkin found Robin Andersen, who hoisted a high cross into the box.

It looked as though the home keeper would gather, but Marjoribanks out-jumped the keeper and watched the ball trickle over the line to put Loddon in front at half-time.

The second half saw Loddon revert to their more familiar 4-4-2 in an effort to restrict Spixworth's space going forward. Robin Andersen was called on to make a great tackle in the box and Knights was set up well by Marjoribanks.

Young made a super save after Robin Andersen was beaten for pace and then showed his dribbling skills outside the box and cleared.

Spixworth came back; Baylis blocked the first effort but a cross from the left found Hayton between defenders and he headed home to make it 2-2.

Loddon pushed again; Durrant went long, a defender hesitated and Knights, ever alert, pinched possession, but snatched at his shot and pulled it wide.

This was his last action and he was replaced by Squire with 20 minutes left. Spixworth had a throw, Baylis got a touch and Parkin picked out Dan Andersen. Hancock collected and swept a great ball to Sadler, now hugging the left flank. He beat his man with ease but was brought down, ending a lovely move.

Robin Andersen and Sadler combined well and found Marjoribanks, who was fouled just outside the box. He drove his free kick straight at the keeper, who couldn't hold it, and Squire, following up, was on hand to poke the ball home with eight minutes to go. Spixworth's claims for offside fell on deaf ears, and Squire, full of energy, gave them no time to regroup, closing down at every opportunity.

He was close again as Dan Andersen crossed and Marjoribanks dived to head on. Spixworth cleared and broke with pace and Chris Andersen stretched brilliantly to cut out the cross-field ball. All around the field Loddon were closing and tackling to hold onto their lead.

With a couple of minutes left, Sadler took a nasty knock, and was left waiting for treatment while the referee lectured the offender.

Precious seconds were wasted in Loddon's favour as Sadler limped off to be replaced by Ben Bussens. Loddon survived the five minutes of injury time to claim a fully deserved and much needed victory.

Sadler and Dan Andersen both put in good innings; Matt Parkin put in another polished, almost faultless midfield performance, but James Marjoribanks just edged it for Musker McIntyre MoM for his 95 minutes of neat touches, guts and effort for the team cause, as well as a brace of goals.

Loddon: Young; Andersen C, Baylis, Durrant, Andersen R; Hancock, Parkin, Sadler; Andersen D, Marjoribanks, Knights. Subs: Squire, Bussens.