WEST MIDLANDS POLICE 1 LUFFS 0 (5/10/02) JUST ONE goal difference between Loughborough and mid-table Premier Division side West Midlands Police and indeed a creditable performance by The Luffs who could honestly say that they deserved something from this game. Loughborough looked a much more balanced side in this game and played some of their best football of the season and for much of the first half were the better side. First chance fell to O'Callaghan who went clear and shot just over and was then foiled by the police 'keeper Garner diving at his feet. Gareth Rogers tried his luck from distance and was not far out while The West Midland Police first effort saw 'keeper Keeling take the high ball cleanly. The Luffs played some good passing football showing the Premier side a thing or two and Spencer beat the 'keeper with a low shot only to see it beat the post as well. Rogers let fly again and saw his shot deflected wide while Broomes had the ball in the Police net only to be brought back for offside, it was impressive stuff from the Loughborough lads. Blake whipped a shot past the post for the West Midlanders as they worked their way into the game and it proved to be an entertaining first half of football from both sides with Loughborough edging it. Carl Sprinthorpe was desperately close to connecting to a Stevenson free kick and on the stroke of half time Garner was down bravely at the feet of Broomes to keep it a goalless half. The Police came out more quickly in the second half and hit an early shot just past the post but then Gunn headed a free kick just past the post for Loughborough, at this stage there was nothing much to choose between the two sides. Just one slip up cost The Luffs this game, hesitancy in defence and Blake nipped in to score the one and only goal of the game. There was time enough for Loughborough to have a go and this they did, Broomes coming close on two occasions. With minutes left in the game Loughborough thought they had a much deserved equalizer as Gunn touch the ball on an O'Callaghan turned the ball goalward but Garner was at full strecth to make a miraculous save and give the West Midlands Police a place in the next round, by the skin of their teeth. It was a heartening performance from The Luffs a statement that said we could have lived in this Premier Division with the best of them. Next week sees the Luffs on the road again away at Fairfield Villa in the league, a repeat performance like this one could give the three valuable points and put them firmly back in the race. TEAM: SCORERS: ATT: NA HT: 0-0