ROUND 2 – THIS TIME LOUGHBOROUGH PLAY HOST!

After securing a draw in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday against Grantham with a goal in the second half from Jonty Bouch, Loughborough welcome Grantham to the Loughborough University Stadium tonight in the hope to progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.

The rain looked to be a major factor in Saturday’s game, as the wind dictated play from the outset. However, it did not change how equal the game settled in the first half. Both teams had their chances, with the crowd in constant hope that one might make the net. It was Grantham’s Captain, Gregg Smith, with the first goal off a penalty in the 26th minute, with Jake Alley not able to get a hand on it, a fact that would change in the second half. As the rain cleared up late in the first half, things still looked positive for the visitors with 2 more shots on goal, and the opposition receiving a few yellow cards.

The second half saw a shift in dominance on the pitch, as Loughborough seemed to rush everything leading to a few mistakes. Grantham were able to keep the ball moving nicely, restricting the Students’ chances at equalising and showed their experience in controlling games. Throughout the second half, Grantham kept Loughborough’s keeper Jake Alley busy, as they kept the shots heading in his direction. It was not until the 75th minute that Jonty Bouch delivered off a free kick to equal the score following a fantastic delivery from Halim Bangura.

The game went into stoppage time, with both teams still showing determination and heart, but as the referee blew his whistle to end the 90 minutes, the focus quickly became Tuesday night under the lights at the Loughborough University Stadium.