First Team vs Lindfield

Recap

Reigate Priory FC beat Lindfield for the first time on Saturday afternoon. Priory hosted Lindfield at The New Defence in Horley, as Priory look to gain promotion to step 6 this season.

The game started with Priory in the ascendancy led by captain Joe Elbishlawi’s enthusiasm, which quickly led to a 1-0 lead through Alex Bicknell’s work down the right leading to a deflected cross falling to Priory striker Dan Taplin, who spun and smashed the ball into the bottom left corner.

The lead didn’t last long and Lindfield proved why Priory struggled to beat them in 3 previous occasions, working their way back into the game with their first proper attack of the game. A deflected shot looped over Priory keeper Jordan Markey who was helpless to stop the equaliser.

Priory didn’t let the setback affect them. Instead went forward looking to retake the lead. They did just that, when a corner came in from the right and Taplin dropped to the edge of the box to receive a headed clearance from Lindfield. Taplin flicked the ball over a defender and then lashed the ball into the bottom left from the edge of the box!

Priory went 3-1 up shortly after, with another corner from Max Bicknell, who was superb throughout the game. Bicknell’s cross was headed home by veteran David McLaughlin, who himself had a wonderful game, pocketing the Lindfield striker. The score was 3-1 at the break.

The second half started exactly the same as the first, Priory more than up for the battle with Lindfield looking shell shocked. Shane O’Keeffe replaced Taplin on the 60 minute mark and soon made it 4-1 after a one-two with M Bicknell, leading to O’Keeffe scoring with a diving header.

O’Keeffe took control of the last half hour, playing through Nathan Madimba minutes later who placed the ball past the Lindfield keeper for the 5th.

Madimba then re-paid the favour before the 90 minutes were up, after a great run down the left, squaring back from the by-line to O’Keeffe to tap in for the 6th.

The 6-1 win leaves Priory 3rd with a couple games in hand on 2nd and with 1st to play twice, Priory have it all in their hands going forwards!

Priory travel to Westminster Casuals next Saturday in the county cup.