FOOTBALL: LUTTERWORTH were crowned champions of the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division after beating Blaby & Whetstone Reserves 4-2 away from home on Saturday.
The Swifts were fully aware that a win would bring the title to Dunley Way and it was clear from the outset that they were going to fight tooth and nail to get it.
Lutterworth did have the better of the chances but nothing clear cut. Their usual dominant possession-based style was hindered somewhat by the firm, bobbly playing surface.
The half time team talk, led by Manager Josh Dixon, called for patience and persistence and the players emerged from the second half with a refreshed focus for the task in hand.
Within a few minutes of the second half Marshal Keenan broke the deadlock. After the goalkeeper had made a succession of quick reflex saves, Keenan calmly slotted the ball home to put the Swifts in front.
Lutterworth then made it two with Justin Peace scoring his first goal for the Swifts after powerfully heading into the back of the net from a corner.
The Swifts then took their eye off the ball for a moment and allowed Daz Wheeler to head home from a free kick.
But as quickly as Blaby were back in the game they were dealt a harsh blow and were reduced to ten men when the official spotted an off-the-ball incident and the referee showing the red card.
The irrepressible Tendai Daire then made it 3-1 with a headed effort, a carbon copy of a previous effort that the keeper dealt with.
Jordan Small put the icing on the cake and the champagne on ice with Lutterworth’s fourth. Burning the full-back for pace and driving the ball low and into the corner of the goal.
Blaby did manage a late consolation but the points and the celebration rights belonged to Lutterworth Town. 2-4 the final score and the result the Swifts were looking for as they blitzed their way to the title without losing a single match.
Lutterworth are next in action away at Barlestone & St Giles in the Beacon Bitter Cup Semi- Final on March 25.
