STUDENTS FAIL LONG EATON EXAMINATION IN EXTRA TIME

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 3 V LONG EATON UTD 5 [AET] (90 MINS 3-3)
MIDLANDS LEAGUE LEAGUE CUP -- 16 DEC 7.45

THE IMPRESSIVE GRANDSTAND AT THE STADIUM

For the second game running a team sported a purple and put on a quality show however this time they were not victorious thanks to a 90th minute equaliser and convincing extra time performance from Long Eaton United.

Another new visit and this time the Loughborough University Stadium on the University complex beckoned.

MODERN BUT WELCOMING TURNSTILES

I have heard many comments about this ground and yes its not your average non league ground being on the University site and being the central focus for the establishments sporting aims it has clearly received major investment.  But for me it was a WOW what a superb ground with excellent facilities from terracing to grandstand, from large electronic scoreboard to hospitality facilities.  Added to this a quality pa announcement system and were I will start this blog---a warm welcome.
The modern full size turnstiles were controlled by, as is often the case any visitors first impression of the ground, a gentleman who not only admitted me into the stadium but popped out to tell me where to go and what facilities were on offer tonight.  We also had a chat about how he got involved with club volunteering and he had a clear pride in the set up and why not.  I have said many times before people like this are a God send to clubs and believe me do so much to make non league football what it is, thanks for the welcome.
Having done the obligatory ground circuit you will see from the pictures the stadium is modern and new with superb terracing and a high viewing grandstand the only downside being a lack of cover on the terracing this was not a problem tonight with the crowd registering just 60.


LOUGHBOROUGH STADIUM 30 MINUTES BEFORE KICK OFF

Having made my way to the grandstand the snack bar/bar was impressively run and friendly and I managed to sample a lively sausage roll, ok two lovely sausage rolls during the evening.  The café designed area had an illuminating corporate design throughout with purple and pink cushioned seats and settees adorning the whole area, there was a little history section and tag line 'where history begins' displayed on a feature wall.
The grandstand gave a tremendous view of the game and even though I prefer a terrace view I remained there for the whole game so was its pull.  The first half saw the University play some superb quality football added to that a pace that Long Eaton where struggling to cope with indeed by half time Uni were beating the league leaders 3-2.
The second half saw a constant deluge of rain make Loughborough's slick passing game become more difficult but just as it looked like they would progress to the next round Long Eaton equalised on the stroke of full time.  The table toppers then finally got the upper hand in the 30 minutes added time to secure a 5-3 victory.

MORE PURPLE THIS TIME SEATS IN THE WELL APORTIONED GRANDSTAND

HOME DUG OUT WITH YOU KNOW
 WHAT COLOUR SEATS
 

Game wise though this was a quality effort from both sides in some testing conditions and it was a credit to the two teams the style of football they put on show, a most enjoyable game.
Enjoyed the evening at a lovely ground different to Newtown on Saturday but a winner in its own right a real shame for the University that they could not take more of their first half efforts that would have secured victories and then in the second half they were over elaborate when getting a shot away would have been more productive.  But on this showing they have some super players who should be moving the club up the league soon.

THE ARTISTIC[?] PICTURE ATTEMPT OF THE NIGHT, THE FOUNTAINS BY THE STADIUM COMPLEX