Report

A must-win league game against the tricky and physical Golden Lion was approached with the respect it deserved as Craig Barnett made sure his side did not take this game lightly.

In truth in order for La Coruna to seal their seventh league title they realistically need to win all their remaining games but, cliché as it may be, they would be taking one game at a time.

Barnett lined up with Jim McGettrick in goal, Rob Southwell, Keelan McNally and Stu Butler in defence. Martin Slevin, Luke Chance, James Turk were the centrally based midfielders while Steve Morgan and Adam Pillinger were the wide men. Barnett and Gaffney were the strikers. Pete Rose, Ashley Sutton, James Childs, Karl Cooper and Joe Naughton were the substitutes.

La Coruna started the game well, stroking the ball around nicely on the incredibly well manicured Navigation pitch; Slevin, Turk and Pillinger looking particularly effective.

Despite their positive start the well organised opposition were putting up a strong fight and it took time for the opening goal to materialise. A Martin Slevin corner was not cleared effectively and Scott Gaffney had only to make the slightest contact; his header finding the back of the gaping net.

Minutes later Adam Pillinger was scythed down in the box, Martin Slevin dispatching the resulting spot-kick.

Golden Lion should have reduced the deficit before half-time but their striker could not find the net despite its unguarded status.

They did not spurn a second opportunity when a long-ball inexplicitly opened the defence; a neat finish giving McGettrick no chance.

More of the same was the half-time message, though the need to shore up the defence was important. Golden Lion were unlikely to roll over and La Coruna would need to be alert to fend off their second half advances.

An early second period own goal- after a wicked Adam Pillinger free-kick- calmed the nerves and from then La Coruna did not look like faltering.

Joe Naughton made an appearance after James Turk limped off with an ankle injury; Turk had done enough to seal man-of-the-match honours but Naughton also showing glimpses of his talent; despite picking up his second booking of the week. Naughton almost scored with a superbly hit strike but the Lion keeper made a fantastic stop to keep his side in the game.

Karl Cooper, returning from injury also entered the fray as the veteran Stephen Morgan took a rest.

La Coruna had done enough to win the game and saw it out in a professional manner. News from the 3G at Studley that title rivals Queens Head Dons had suffered defeat was welcomed at the final whistle to cap an excellent day for the reigning champions.

Two games against Victoria Barnt Green and one against Queens Head Dons will do much to decide this season. Come and support La Coruna, at the Navigation, on Thursday 17^th May, 18:30 as the first part of the Barnt Green saga takes place.

Refs MOM: James Turk