Litlington FC 5 Figleaves 2 LITLINGTON came out on top of a seven goal thriller to continue their pursuit of the BIS Division 4A title. A strong Figleaves team kicked off the game and had the best of the early exchanges but fell behind to a breakaway goa

Litlington FC 5 Figleaves 2

LITLINGTON came out on top of a seven goal thriller to continue their pursuit of the BIS Division 4A title.

A strong Figleaves team kicked off the game and had the best of the early exchanges but fell behind to a breakaway goal from Gary Reader who beat the offside trap and slotted past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Litlington then added to their tally when veteran defender Dennis Norman scored from a direct free kick with a 35 yard thunderbolt.

Ashley Hawkins' side continued to create chances but failed to convert them, including a James Evans' one-on-one with the Figleaves keeper, and just before half time Figleaves were given a route back into the game when Norman turned from hero to villain with an unfortunate own goal.

Figleaves turned up the heat in the second half and scored within five minutes of the restart.

For the next 15 minutes a shell-shocked Litlington struggled to get hold of the ball and but for woeful finishing by their opponents could, and should, have been three goals down and out of the game.

Litlington survived the storm and began to hit Figleaves on the counter attack, scoring two goals in the process.

Afser Choudhury scored his team's third following good work from Evans and the fourth goal quickly followed with Evans slotting home after a mix up between the Figleaves keeper and one of his defenders.

With just under 15 minutes left, Matt Cottiss completed the scoring for Litlington when he controlled a cross and volleyed the ball into the net and although this was far from a vintage Litlington performance the win keeps them in the title hunt.

Despite the win, manager Ashley Hawkins said his team need to tighten up at the back and stop conceding needless goals if they are going to continue on their good run.

He said: "This was an important win for us as it keeps us in the title race but the score did flatter us.

"In the last couple of years we have established ourselves as a passing team but the passing was poor today and must improve, and quickly.

"Offensively we have been stronger this season than any other season and are joint second in terms of goals scored, however we have conceded far too many soft goals and that is an area that we need to work on."

Litlington: Bonfield, Hawkins, Norman, Wilson, Orton, Cottis, Chapman, Boote, Choudhury, Evans, Reader. Sub: Butler.