Linby overcame a stubborn Arnold Town Reserve team, thanks to a second half hat trick from Liam Cartledge, to progress into the Third Round of the Notts FA Senior Trophy.
A sluggish first half display from Linby saw them create few chances against a determined and well-organised Arnold reserves. Except for what looked like a clear foul on Liam Cartridge inside the area that should have been a penalty, Linby had little to show from a lacklustre first half.
It was the visitors who created a couple of decent chances which weren’t taken.
In the second half Will Wass produced an outstanding point blank save to deny Kian Leavesly on 55 minutes and keep the score at 0-0. This close shave and a few substitutions seemed to wake Linby up and they broke the deadlock on 59mins with a typical marauding run and cross from the bye line by Greg Conn found Cartledge at the far post to head home.
The Referee then sent two Arnold players to the “sin bin” leaving the visitors with nine men for ten minutes, which Linby took full advantage of – scoring twice .
On 72 minutes a good move between Ethan Fells, Paddy Stefaniak set up Ewan Gibson for a shot from the edge of the area, Arnold’s keeper saved it , but the ball wasn’t cleared and Cartledge pounced drilling home from 10 yards out.
Fells got to the bye line and crossed to the far post where Cartledge volleyed home for his hat trick. it was so nearly four for Linby when Gibson hit a thunderous shot from the edge of the area, which crashed against the crossbar and bounced down onto the line .
Line up: W.Wass, Conn, Turner, J.Wass, Fells, Wood, Pollitt, Gibson, Tassi, Hamilton, Cartledge SUBS. J.Smith ( for Pollitt 56m), Stefaniak (for Wood 56m), Trigg (for Hamilton 67m).
Man of the Match: LIAM CARTLEDGE
Attendance: 85