Division 5

St Ann’s Chapel 0

Lamerton CFC 6

FOLLOWING five straight home wins, morale was high for Lamerton going into this local derby, despite having to deal with several injuries.

Manager Simon Whitehead tinkered with the team following injuries to Paul Cowling, Sam Turner and goalkeeper Josh McDonald. He had total faith in reserve keeper James Northey, who deserved his chance between the sticks.

Lamerton started off the better team as they pushed for their first goal but St Ann’s were dogged and fought hard in defence.

Eventually Dan Behennah’s incisive run down the wing saw him pass three players, and his whipped cross deflected into the St Ann’s net. Within minutes it was 2-0 after top goal scorrer Nathan Panter pounced on a through ball by Glen Holmes, turned the oncoming defender and smashed the ball in the top corner.

St Ann’s didn’t lay down and started taking the game to Lamerton. They went close with a free kick but James Northy turned it around the post with a fine save.

From the resulting corner the home side should have scored, but Northey pulled off another great save to keep the score two nil at half time.

In the second half Lamerton took control, with David Bywoth, Jamie Court and Dave Downham bossing the midfield. Influential captain Jack Payne led the defence alongside Holmes, Credicott and Warren Smith.

Shortly after the restart, Panter won a penalty which he calmly slot away. He completed his hat trick with a fine solo effort, yet wasn’t done there when he got his second penalty of the match to smash home to make his fourth.

Behennah finished off the scoring when he slotted home from close range to make it 6-0.

Despite Panter’s four goals, man of the match was stand-in keeper James Northey who didn’t put one foot wrong all match.

The victory keeps Lamerton seven points clear at the top of the table and another two wins should see them lift the league trophy.