Long_Eaton_Utd_V_Main_11_08

Main's new league campaign got off to a losing start with a three-one defeat at Long Eaton.

New signings, Danny Reilly, Danny Payne and Greg Archer were all in the starting line-up with Danny Mullooley and Mike Taylor on the bench. Liam Richardson was back in goal for a second spell with Main.

In hot, sunny conditions, Main were tested in the fifth minute by United's Nathan Parker, his shot from Graham Foukes' cross from the left blocked by Paul Staniforth.

Four minutes later, Main's Andy Hirst set up striker Russ Hobson and from a good position saw his shot blocked for a corner.

On twelve minutes, Parker put the hosts into the lead with a low shot past Richardson from inside the box.

Home ‘keeper Steve Smith had to punch clear after Liam Kay's cross from Staniforth's free kick.

Then, Parker and Michael Buckley were off-target with chances for United and Main defender James Mitchell headed wide from another Kay free kick.

Three minutes before the break Ashley Longstaff shot just wide from a quickly taken Jordan Stock free kick.

United's Marc Stryzewski shot well wide in the forty sixth minute but, three minutes later, Buckley ran on to a

long ball and slotted in the rebound after Richardson blocked his first shot.

Then, Buckley shot over from twenty yards and Main's Danny Payne screwed a shot wide from Hobson's cross from the left.

In the sixty third minute Buckley made it three-nil, shooting past Richardson from the edge of the box following Foulkes' square pass.

Five minutes later Main hit back when Archer marked his debut by heading in at the back post from Kay's free kick.

Stock shot wide and substitute Taylor had a shot deflected for a corner as Main pushed forward.

United substitute Scott Downie had a weak shot saved by Richardson and Buckley shot high over from Downie's lay-off.

With three minutes remaining Staniforth hit a thirty yard free kick straight at Smith.

Main: Liam Richardson, James Mitchell, Paul Staniforth, Andy Hirst (Scott Riley 67), Danny Reilly (Danny Mullooley 57), Danny Payne, Liam Kay, Greg Archer, Russ Hobson, Ashley Longstaff (Mike Taylor 69), Jordan Stock.