On-form Louth clinch convincing Floodlit victory

LOUTH Town overcame Ollerton Town at Park Avenue in midweek to make progress in the Midlands League Floodlit Cup.

Manager Paul Walden made six changes to the starting line-up that recorded an excellent 2-0 away win at Clipstone the previous Saturday.

Town looked lively and were unlucky on nine minutes when Danny Kilmore's dipping half-volley was caught by goalkeeper McClafferty just under the bar.

Ollerton quickly counter-attacked and Craig Wherry, in the home goal, saw his first action on 10 minutes when he had to deal with an effort from the visitors' Ricky Chambers.

Wherry was called into action again on 21 minutes when Chambers caught Mark Hallam in possession before firing in a low shot.

The home fans were celebrating on 28 minutes when Town took the lead.

Kilmore found himself clean through on goal and rounded McClafferty and, although his first shot hit the post, he followed up to steer the rebound into the goal.

Two minutes later, Town thought they had scored again when a quick Sam Smith free-kick was headed powerfully by Jamie Rowbotham – but McClafferty produced a great save.

Town continued to carve open the visitors' defence. A lovely flowing move between Reeson, Smith and Rowbotham ended with Kilmore putting the ball just wide.

Town continued to press and doubled their lead on 37 minutes.

Smith's corner was cleared as far as Ben Davison. He hit a superb cross which was met by a Rowbotham header.

It could have got even better for the home side after 40 minutes when Kilmore again rounded the keeper, but this time he saw his goal-bound effort well-blocked by Mason.

Town started the second half brightly.

Davison and Jordan Walden both missed chances before Kilmore grabbed his second of the game on 59 minutes to make the score 3-0.

Smith played a lovely pass through and Kilmore sprinted clear before firing low past the advancing McClafferty.

Ollerton refused to give up and gave the Louth defence some anxious moments.

Louth's Mark Fairburn was unlucky not to get the goal his hard-working performance deserved on 80 minutes, when he found himself clean through. After cleverly lobbing McCafferty, he could only watch as the ball rolled agonisingly wide of the post.

However, the home supporters didn't have long to wait to cheer another goal.

Rowbotham grabbed his second of the evening, and his 21st of a very productive season, on 87 minutes.

In the final minute Rowbotham was denied his hat-trick, when, after running onto Carl Martin's through ball, he rounded McClafferty, only to be denied by a great last-ditch tackle from Mason.

The White Wolves will be looking to continue their fine run when Ollerton return to Park Avenue for a Central Midlands League match today (3pm).