THIMBLEMILL 2 LUFFS 4 (5/5/03) LOUGHBOROUGH took to the road again on Bank Holiday Monday but this time there was definitely something to shout about as they beat a highly skilful Thimblemill side simple by outscoring them and all four goals went to Mark Dabney. Again The Luffs absorbed some early pressure but they had found in Dabney and Matthews an interesting front line partnership which brought them rich rewards from this game. Robin Matthews showed some good determination to lay the ball off for Dabney's first goal from close in. Matthews and Dabney very nearly scored a repeat goal from the opposite flank but keeper Spark saved this one as he did with a back post header from Springthorpe. One goal was never going to be enough against this talented yet slightly undisciplined Thimblemill side and Mooney levelled the scores after 15 minutes. But Loughborough had an answer in this game, Matthews provided and Dabney stuck it away to make it two one to the Luffs. The central Birmingham side came out again with some flowing moves but the Loughborough defence contained them well before moving out to improve their lead. It was all becoming a bit predictable, Matthews provided and Dabney hit his first half hat trick. There were still goals in this game, both sides had the ability to score and Stevenson hit a free kick just past the post while at the other end Mooney warmed the hands of the Loughborough keeper Springthorpe. The second half saw Thimblemill have a real go at the Loughborough defence and the blocking of shots became a feature of the second half. But Carl Springthorpe rallied his defenders and shear determination kept the opposition from scoring, while Dabney and Matthews had ripped the Thimblemill defence apart the Loughborough lads had certainly done their job. Thimblemill managed a goal from a corner, deemed to have cross the line by the referee and for a while it all hung in the balance. So bring on the deadly duo yet again, Matthews chased down a pass he had no right to get and while the defender hauled Matthews down Dabney was on hand to deliver the cheekiest of chips over the head of the stranded keeper Spark. Four-two and the job well and truely done and a great afternoons entertainment. The Luffs return home on Saturday for their last game of the season against Polesworth (kick off 2.45pm), decided in the favour of the Luffs by a single goal at their place but a good footballing game and should be well worth watching. TEAM:   SCORERS:  Mark DABNEY (4) ATT: N/A HT: 3-1