FOOTBALL: Bottesford FC are through to county cup final

Bottesford FC secured their place in the Leicestershire FA Saturday Trophy final after they defeated Leicester Three Lions 3-1 in last weekend’s semi-final.

In a keenly fought contest – played out on a heavy pitch – Three Lions gained the early initiative and Bottesford keeper Ben Loomes had to be on his toes to keep the scores level.

Slowly, Bottesford began to battle their way into the game, with Rob Lakin unlucky to see his header cleared off the line.

Bottesford broke the deadlock after the break when Luke Haxby forced home Lakin’s cut back.

The impressive Lakin then doubled the advantage when he robbed possession from the last man and coolly slotted home.

But Bottesford’s Leicester District League opponents rallied and kept the tie alive when a pinpoint finish reduced the deficit.

Bottesford had to dig deep as Lions pressed for an equaliser. A flurry of set-pieces saw Loomes produce more heroics, clawing a header away, and left back Joe Smith blocked a certain goal as he defended the back post from a corner.

Man-of-the-match Lakin sealed Bottesford’s place in the final when he poked home from a corner.

Bottesford manager Jon Allsopp was a quick to praise his players. He said: “The lads won the battle in difficult conditions and deserved to win the game.

“Our home record is good for a reason. We make teams work hard to score against us and have players that will always cause problems.

“We’ve only lost four home matches since 2012. I am immensely proud of the players.

“Bottesford is developing on all fronts and this young squad are a credit to the club.”

The final against league rivals Ravenstone FC will take place on Thursday, March 12, at Holmes Park.