The first team were on their travels for the opening game of the PitchingIn NPL Midlands Division 1 as they travelled to Coleshill Town. The scholars arrived at Pack Meadow for the first time in several years after numerous encounters in the past in the Midland Football League before Coleshill gained promotion, and the Scholars were also moved laterally to the United Counties League.
Head Coach Jamie Clapham opted for a lineup similar to the previous weekend's FA Cup victory over Bugbrooke St Michaels, with one forced change of Josh Brodella coming in for Zolani Dlodlo. Dlodlo received a straight red card in the first half at Bugbrooke and is currently serving his three-match banA cagey opening to life at Step 4 saw the scholars having to deal with many crosses and long throws launched into the box. A resolute performance from Jonty Bouch and James Cook ensured that the scholars kept a clean sheet throughout the first half.
Despite the pressure on the Scholars' back line, they were holding their own. The students created a few of their chances with some good distribution by Callaghan alongside some nice combinations through the pitch. As the half progressed, the sides were fairly even, and they were relieved by the half-time whistle in the warm Saturday sun and a high-tempo game.
HT 0-0
The second half saw a substitution straight away with Halim Bangura having to come off with a hip injury after an awkward fall in the first half. Bangura was replaced by Prickett-Reed who made his Loughborough debut in last week’s FA Cup fixture.
The intensity of the first half continued into the second as Callaghan and the defence had to deal with some early Coleshill pressure. The resolute defending paid dividends in the 53rd minute when the Scholars broke on the hosts and should have really scored in open play with the ball bouncing around the penalty area after being cleared off the line, this then saw Brodella strike the ball on goal from close range only to be blocked by the Coleshill defender. The ref deemed that the ball had been blocked by the home defenders hand and pointed to the penalty spot.
After a reasonable time waiting to take the penalty due to Coleshill’s arguments against the penalty decision, Strouts converted the penalty despite the keeper getting a hand on the strike. A positive start to Strouts season with 2 in 2 games after tapping home at Bugbrooke late on the weekend before.
After taking the lead the scholars played some of their most composed football in the minutes to follow, however it only took until the 60th minute for Coleshill to equalise when a misplaced pass from Cook found its way to the pressing striker Hesson who made the most of the opportunity and slotted home past Callaghan.
The equaliser seemed to rock the scholars and give Coleshill the lift they were looking for, as a second goal came 5 minutes later when an off the ball incident between Bouch and the Coleshill forward saw the two collide and a penalty awarded by the referee. Billingham stepped up and sent Callaghan the wrong way to give the hosts the lead in the 65th minute.
On the second goal being conceded Clapham made two changes with Freddy Webb coming on for Josh Brodella and Joseph Akinsamni making his debut replacing Max McCoy.
Despite the changes the scholars never really got back into the game and Coleshill played with more confidence as the game grew on, continuing to test the Students with their physicality and direct play.
A final sub saw Thomas Butler make his return in the 85th minute after a long term injury last season with Alex Spiteri making way. The remaining minutes saw the scholars look to try and get up the pitch and apply pressure to the Coleshill back line but the home team saw the game out earning their 3 points on the opening day.
Loughborough Development Squad
Back at home the Development side hosted Holwell Sports Reserves in the Leicestershire Senior League Division 1.
Lewis Cassell’s side didn’t waste any time stamping their authority on the game with early James Thew and Sam Williams goals putting the scholars 2-0 up. Holwell did get a goal back to make it 2-1 but the ref seemed the goal to be offside. The devs capitalised on the disallowed goal and fired home their advantage with 3 more goals in the first half to lead 5-0 at HT.
The strong start to the season continued with 5 more goals in the second half sealing an impressive 10-0 win on the opening day, unsurprisingly giving the scholars an early lead at the top of the table.
Head Coach Lewis Cassell commented on the victory;
"A busy week for the club next week sees the first team host their first NPL fixture on Tuesday night in addition to the first ever FA Youth Cup Tie on Thursday evening as LSFC U18s host Matlock Town."
Upcoming fixtures:
LSFC First Team Vs Grantham Town
PitchingIn NPL Midlands Division 1
Loughborough University Stadium
Kick Off: 19:45
Wednesday 14th August
Sutton Bonnington Vs LSFC Devs
Everards LSL Division 1
Sutton Bonnington Playing Fields
Kick Off: 18:30
Thursday 15th August
LSFC U18s Vs Matlock Town U18s
FA Youth Cup Extra Preliminary
Loughborough University Stadium
Kick Off: 7pm
Saturday 17th August
Deeping Rangers Vs LSFC First Team
FA Cup Preliminary Round
The Haydn Whitham Stadium
Kick Off: 3PM
Ingles FC Development Vs LSFC Devs
Everards LSL Division 1
Thringstone Miners Social Club
Kick Off: 3PM