Linby launched themselves into the next round of the CMFL Challenge Cup this afternoon after a hard fought 2-1 victory over new side AFC Bentleywrites Kieran Booker.

A first-half Lewis Weaver goal set the home side on their way before a Aidy Harris penalty early in the second half sealed the game, AFC Bentley’s Joe Byron then grabbed a consolation goal with the last kick of the game. 

Lewis Weaver was chosen as the main threat up front for Linby and the young striker caused problems throughout thanks to his lighting pace. The ex-Teversal player had three great opportunities early on but could only see his shots fly wide after being played in by captain Aidy and fellow youngster Tremere Lindo respectively before his third effort weakly fell at the keeper’s feet. 

It was the striker who would open the scoring for Linby though when he netted after just 17 minutes. His preserving style of play paid off when he was able to race onto a ball back to the keeper, he then saw Bentley’s goalkeeper Dominic Senior keep his attempted clearance against the attacker before making sure the ball went over the line. 

The new number 9 for Linby nearly grabbed himself a second 14 minutes later. He was again able to use his pace to trouble the Bentley defence before trying an audacious lob over the onrushing Senior. Unfortunately for the home side, the ball was lifted a little too high as it landed squarely on the top of the  crossbar before going out for a goal kick. 

The away team’s attack was led by two Mundy’s, both of which carried a big expected threat before the game thanks in part to scoring 12 goals between them already this season. It was Shaun Mundy who had his side’s best chance of the first half when just after the half hour mark he was able to bring down a lovely ball from the right that arrived over his shoulder but unfortunately the striker could only blaze over his resulting shot. 

Early in the second half, Aidy Harris led by example for the team in red and black when he drove forward in search of a second goal. The tricky midfielder was able to fight off the challenge of two defenders before winning a corner from his eventual deflected effort. It was from the aftermath of the corner that Linby was able to get their second as the ball struck against the arm of a AFC Bentley player and the referee instantly blew for a penalty. Captain Harris immediately stepped up and fired the ball hard and low to the keeper’s right to double the home side’s advantage. 

Lewis Saxby would have been doubly delighted in today’s game as not only did his side pick up a result but he was also able to showcase some of the upcoming young talent Linby have on offer. In previous weeks he has already utilised the skills of Will Horton but today’s game also gave a chance for young Tremere Lindo to step up from the reserves, the tricky player making a nuisance of himself with skill as he and fellow youngster Weaver frustrated the Bentley defence. 

With the result looking comfortable and the game looking over as it drew to a close, Bentley didn’t just give up as they seemed determined not to return to Doncaster without putting up a fight. They caused a scare for the Linby defence with 5 minutes left on the clock when an exploring Joshua Downie let the ball slip between his legs leaving the away side with an empty net and the ball on the by-line but luckily captain Harris was able to lead a troupe of players back towards goal and eventually cleared the ball. The skipper celebrated his clearance at one end almost as much as his goal at the other. 

The away side continued to push on though and Linby had to see out two corners as the game trickled into injury time. Joe Byron saw his shot deflect into the Linby keeper’s hands as time ran out for Bentley’s cup dreams. The away side did give themselves a glimmer of hope though as in the 91st minute they capitalised on a rare defensive lapse. Joe Byron was given too much space on the right side of goal as he received the ball before crashing it home in the opposite corner. His side’s desperate collection of the ball from the net was in vain though as the referee blew for full time straight from the re-start. 

After the game Lewis Saxby said: “I’m happy with the performance again today, we showed some of our best stuff this season this afternoon. I think credit has to be given to the opposition, I feel that they’ll finish near the top of their division this season and that emphasises how well we played.”

He added:”If I had to be critical I would say I’m disappointed not to pick up back to back clean sheets, especially as its only been one error right at the death but we will definitely build on today’s performance.”