Linby claim first CMFL win in 15 weeks at bottom side Southwell City

Manager Dave Marlow was forced into one change with Damian Mann starting in place of the unavailable Dale Chapman.

Ash Winfield and Rian Charles were back in the squad but had to be content with places on the substitutes’ bench.

The game was one of only two which went ahead in the division on another Saturday decimated by the unrelenting rain.

Linby dominated early on, kicking with the strong wind at their backs and forcing a series of seven early corners.

Linby took the lead on 12 minutes when Jake Wright’s booming header from the half way line sent Damo Mann racing through.

The striker’s initial shot was saved by Mike Oxborrow, the City keeper, but Mann was alert enough to react and bundle it in.

One of City’s recent signings Danny Johnson, from Clifton, saw his vicious 25-yard free-kick well saved by Luca Rocco.

But any hopes the home side had of finding a way back into the game were dented when keeper Oxborrow was sent off.

He was adjudged to have handled the ball outside of his area under pressure from Tom Coupe and was given his marching orders.

City’s assistant manager Freddy Dandby donned the gloves. He was involved immediately, saving Kaylum Mitchell’s free-kick.

On 48 minutes, another Johnson free-kick was heading into the top corner before Rocco pulled off another fantastic save.

Linby against the run of play doubled their lead. Mason Frizelles’ free-kick wasn’t dealt with and Mitchell pounced.

The second goal seemed to give Linby freedom to start playing more purposeful football, along the ground, and they were rewarded with the goal of the game on 62 minutes.

Sam Meakin and Coupe started the move on the left then Millward played a lovely one-two with Wright, sending Wright in one on one for an exquisite finish into the bottom corner.

Linby could have had more goals. Coupe and Millward both saw shots cleared off the line after beating Danby.

Linby Manager Dave Marlow, who enjoyed a short cameo substitute appearance late in the game, was a happy man.

He said: “Believe me, that was a good win in awkward conditions against a team who have been boosted by a new management team and new signings.

“I thought it was an outstanding squad performance. It is so good to be able to string two results together.”

Linby: Rocco, Frizelle, Henshaw, Spray (Winfield 40), Meakin, Mitchell, Wright, Millward, Coupe, Butler (Marlow 78), Mann (Charles 60).