An end to end exciting game saw Ibis nudge us out with a result that means we will now find it very hard to get promoted. We knew Ibis were a top side having beaten Merton recently but our two sides were very evenly matched in difficult conditions with a lot of good football but very few chances of note.

 

Ibis scored early in slightly controversial circumstances with a player coming back from an offside position to score from close range but with no linos at this level it’s always difficult. They played with the strong wind first half and had us penned back for long periods and whilst we played some pretty stuff at times we didn’t create much at all. I was pressed into action early as Andy F’s hamstring gave way again and it was apparent quite early that with the pace of the game high I would have to reject my normal box to box style for a more sedentary role (!)

 

Second half was a reversal with us getting into lots of good positions but unable to convert whilst Ibis grew ever more threatening on the break. Rich Churchman had our two best efforts crashing one against the bar and bringing a great save late on high to the keepers right. Ibis’ best chance fell when Nick dragged his hernia up for a corner and as he lumbered back like a sedated rhino they broke toward the empty net only to be denied by a great last minute challenge by Matt. In injury time we flashed one across the box with no-one able to get a touch and our last chance was gone.

 

So disappointing stuff but a good game against a good side who deserved their win and they will be in the mix with Merton and Wilsonians for promotion by the looks of things. Lats on the other hand will now realistically look to next season ruing missed opportunities but given the upheaval in the club this year I have to be happy with our efforts. We no doubt can still influence the promotion race with the two top sides to play so a challenge is still there for us.

 

MOM - Another good display from Rich but Tabbers did a great job fitting in for Stuart and wins it this week.