With a higher-than-usual average age and only one substitute, Atherstone 3rds felt the Beast of Burden as they faced off against Leicester City 2nd Team. By the end, it was clear that Time Was on Their Side as our tired legs started to show.

The game kicked off with a jolt when Leicester’s centre forward took possession and bolted forward, sending a shiver down the spine of our backline. Despite that early scare, we kept our composure and found a chance to take the lead.

An aerial ball from James Ebdon-Muir into Leicester’s D set up Ant Hobbs perfectly, giving him a one-shot chance at a reverse hit on the bounce. The shot soared just over the bar, leaving us with a bittersweet sense of what could have been.

Our first goal, however, did come – though the exact details are a bit of a Blurry Memory. Fortunately, the goal-scorer has reliably filled in the story: We were pressing their back four from a 16-yard hit. They played a poor pass into the middle that Ellis seized on. He passed quickly to me, and I did the rest. ?

With that well-earned goal, we went into halftime with a 1-0 lead. Spirits were high, but we knew Leicester City wasn’t about to give up without a fight, and the second half promised to be no Walk in the Park.

In the second half, our midfield – Rob, Little Alex Kobrin, Rhino Grant, and stand-in Christian – worked tirelessly, battling to gain control and wear down Leicester. With every push forward, Leicester started to look a little more out of gas, giving us the upper hand as the game wore on.

Pressing hard, Adders kept the pressure on, forcing Leicester into some costly mistakes at the back. A loose ball rolled right into Ebdon-Muir’s path, and with Honky Tonk confidence, he took aim and let fly with what could only be described as a ferocious mis-hit. Somehow, the shot managed to fool the keeper, dribbling over his pads at a blistering 23 ½ miles per hour and putting us into a solid 2-0 lead.

With a comfortable cushion, Adders saw out the game with some sterling work in defence by Chink and Jagger, who kept things locked down at the back. Their grit and determination kept Leicester at bay, ensuring we left the pitch shining a light on our well-earned victory.