Lichfield City start life at Step 4 with a defeat against a strong Anstey Nomads side

Match Report

First Half

Lichfields first home game of the season started off with both teams attempting to get a foothold in the game, Anstey Nomads looking the more comfortable of the two. 

Within the opening minutes, Bradley Wilson snaps an ambitious half volley from beyond the edge of the box, which bounces narrowly wide of the post, a distinct warning sign to Lichfield.

Down the other end of the pitch, Joseph Haines curled his free kick, an inviting cross, towards Luke Childs, However, his outstretched leg was only just off the mark, the ball just going past him.

Lichfield’s defence faced pressure for vast parts of the first half, staying strong for the most part. Tendai Chitiza was bounding upon goal, about to shoot, but Haines slid in to block the danger. The defensive feat kept the score level.

Freddie Mathew John caused Lichfield’s defence problems by holding up the ball in the box which drew three defenders into him. He then layed it off to Chitiza who manages to punt the ball underneath Brendon Bunn’s flailing leg, making it one nil to the visitors.

Looking for a response before the first half ends, Jack Edward met a ball in behind the defence beating a slower Lewis Gibbens, but after attempting to get into he box from the corner, his cross was blocked after Gibbens caught up with him. Good defending in the end.

As the half was coming to an end, Haines doing his attacking duties cut inside past two defenders, but his rather tame shot was parried by Conrad Logan, allowing the ball to be cleared.

Second Half

 After the break, Lichfield started much more composed by playing more of the ball. Jack Edward created the first real chance of the half, in behind the defence he attempts to take it round the keeper, but Logan did well to smother it and deny the chance.

Maintaining a sense of pressure, Lichfield ere stringing together multiple chances. A good passing play between James Wilcock and Edward saw them get close to wriggling into the box, but were denied by well structured defending.

In a similiar fashion, Luke Childs advanced forward in a good attacking play and manages to set up Daniel Lomas, his shot skidding just wide of the post, not really threatening keeper Logan.

Down the other end, Kyle Tomlin was open and through on goal, one on one with the keeper. However, Bunn comes out and a good strong hand stops the shot, thwarting a very good opportunity.

The same happened again but with Tristan Thomas this time. He attempted a lucrative chip which sailed over the bar, another big chance not capitalised on.

In the final minutes of the game, Lichfield were pushing for an equaliser and Edward’s cross was deflected towards the back post but that deflection was cleared of the line, resulting in Lichfield’s first home game being a loss.