FOOTBALL: LUTTERWORTH Town find themselves just one win away from Championship glory after a hard fought 2-1 win at home to Ashby & Ivanhoe Reserves last weekend.
A much changed Ashby side set their stall out early and packed the midfield, attempting to cut off the supply to Lutterworth’s front men Tendai Daire, Jordan Small and Marshal Keenan.
Keenan had a good chance early on but the Ashby keeper made a fine save from the Lutterworth man’s powerful effort.
Lutterworth did manage to create good chances with Jordan Small finding himself through on goal, but for the Ashby back line to some how find a way to keep the game goalless.
Ashby were then reduced to ten men after Jordan Small beat the offside trap and was through on goal, only to be brought down on the edge of the box. The referee had no choice but to show a red and from the resulting free kick Mark Warren narrowly missed the target.
The opening goal of the game came completely against the run of play. A hopeful ball flung into the box led to an infringement on the Ashby striker and the referee pointed to the spot. Rob Avins converted the penalty kick to give Ashby a shock 1-0 lead.
The Swifts looked as though they were heading into the break a goal down until a few minutes before half time when Marshal Keenan picked up the ball, weaved into the box and calmly slotted the ball home to keep Lutterworth’s hopes of three points afloat.
After the break Lutterworth looked to take advantage of the extra man when they were reduced to ten men themselves following a straight red to Mark Warren for a reckless challenge.
Lutterworth changed their shape and their personnel with Shaun Leslie, Joe Herbert and Ben Tye all being introduced.
Although their play was patient it was clear that Lutterworth were not going to settle for a draw and were eager to somehow find the winner.
It came with 20 minutes remaining when a handball in the box gave Lutterworth a penalty kick and skipper Kade Lewis crashed the ball into the back of the net and give the Swifts all three points.
Manager Josh Dixon will be hoping his side can be crowned champions when they travel to Blaby & Whetstone Reserves on Saturday knowing a win will be enough for them to lift the title.
