In perfect conditions, Athletic enthralled a large crowd with some of the best football seen down at Hall Lane. First it was Chris Bradshaw who wrong footed the keeper with a delicate free kick. Then, after good work by the Laywood brothers, new striker Andy Cross headed home at the far post. Further goals from Billy Hayes and Danny Laywood summed up a great first 30 minutes.
Then, against the run of play Athletic conceded a sloppy own goal when keeper Cox and defender Rapley failed to deal with ball into the box. This gave the Kirby players a lift and, right on half time from a free kick, they made it two.
The second half started well for Kirby until star man Matt Rains, who spent most of the game mesmerizing the Kirby defence, skipped past three defenders to make it five. Hat trick hero Danny Laywood finished off the game with two further goals to make it seven.
I'm full of praise for coaches Lee English and Dan Bale who have offered a new dimension to the training which is now bearing fruit on the field with some very attractive football.
Athletic reserves stayed top with a two nil away win against Sileby, and Athletic Ladies remain unbeaten after a 13 nil result away to Asfordby. Athletic Under 18s also wo,n beating high flying Oadby at Topps Park four nil.
