Derby Men’s 5th XI 0-4 Oxford Men’s 3rd XI: Leahy hat-trick stuns hosts
Words by Joel Roberts
Picture by Jim Quinlan
Derby’s Men’s 5th XI started 2019 with a 4-0 defeat at home against Oxford Men’s 3rd XI in the Midlands 5A league.
It took less than 90 seconds for the visitors to take the lead when a weak back pass from Matt Iles allowed Patrick Leahy to run onto the loose pass and slide the ball under Ryan Plant.
Oxford controlled the first half and they hit the post before having a goal disallowed for offside after the opener. Plant managed to keep the score at 1-0 with a couple of great saves before half time.
The away side once again found themselves in behind Derby’s defence and it looked certain that Connor McCabe was going to double their lead but the hosts’ goalkeeper once again pulled off a stunning save from close range. However only a few minutes later Oxford did make it 2-0 through Leahy’s lopping volley.
McCabe then made it three after his close range effort found the bottom corner following Derby’s failure to clear the ball. The losing team did come into the game more in the second half but still struggled to create any clear cut chances.
Leahy completed his hat trick with an impressive strike from inside the penalty area that rounded off a miserable day for the hosts. Derby will be hoping to bounce back in their next game where they come up against Birmingham City 3rd XI.
