Lichfield Take The Points Home From St Neots

Lichfield started the game the brighter of the two sides, with Jack Edwards’ early shot from the edge of the box blocked by a St Neots defender.

From deep in the Lichfield half, Leighton McMennemy’s ball over the top was punched away by James Goff — an early warning sign for the hosts.

Moments later, a long ball from Brendon Bunn found Edwards breaking in behind. He brought it down superbly and delicately dinked it over Goff to give Lichfield the lead.

Edwards continued to cause problems, receiving the ball out wide and delivering an inviting cross into the box, but it was headed clear by the St Neots defence.

At the other end, Sam Willis’ cross to the back post was half-cleared by a well-organised Lichfield back line.

As the hosts began to gain momentum, Kieran Barnes saw his shot from a tight angle blocked by Luke Childs.

Just before half time, a St Neots through ball was intercepted and cleared by Childs to relieve the danger.

Looking to regain control, Kieran Francis tried his luck from distance but fired over the bar.

 Edwards then had the final opportunity of the half with a free-kick, but it struck the wall and was half-cleared.

Second Half

St Neots started the second half strongly. Barnes again tried his luck from the edge of the area, but his effort was blocked by Josh Mansell. 

Moments later, Barnes forced Bunn into a save as the hosts continued to press.

Lichfield responded on the counter. Max Beech played in Jamie Spiers, who laid the ball wide for Edwards, but his one-on-one effort was well saved by Goff.

Harvey Williams then flicked the ball down the line, taking it past Jimmy Elkes, but the cross to the back post wasn’t met.

St Neots continued to rack up chances. Barnes’ bobbling shot from distance was saved comfortably by Bunn. 

Connor Furlong’s dangerous cut-back inside the box was then deflected over for a corner — another example of Lichfield’s resilient defending.

Eniola Agemoh-Davies broke through into the box, but a crucial tackle from Elkes allowed Bunn to collect the ball. 

Moments later, Agemoh-Davies saw a close-range effort saved brilliantly by Bunn’s foot.

The hosts kept pushing. Michael Amaeshike picked the ball up on the edge of the box, but his shot was well blocked by Mansell.

Lichfield nearly doubled their lead late on when Mansell’s cross narrowly missed Spiers, who was waiting in the box. 

In stoppage time, Jude Taylor latched onto a ball over the top, cut inside well, but his low strike was saved.