Elston United had skipper Sam Lloyd to thank for their win at AJ Sport FC. Lloyd’s coolly taken 80th minute penalty was the difference in a topsy-turvy game against one of the favourites for promotion from Division 2 of the Nottinghamshire Senior League.

Elston had the better of the opening exchanges, with both James Clarke and James Scott looking dangerous through the middle. And it was Clarke’s calm, side-footed finish from a Scott free-kick that opened the scoring for Elston after 23 minutes. Elston continued to press forward and after 31 minutes a clearance from Brad Musgrove was flicked on by Clarke to Harry Johnson, who brilliantly volleyed over the keeper with the outside of his foot from 20 yards out to double the visitors’ lead.

The frustration felt by the home side started to spill over and the end of the half was marred by a series of fouls by and incidents. But, while Elston had been the better side in the first period, they started the second half on the back foot and struggled to create any meaningful chances. For the first time in the match, AJ Sport started to create some sustained pressure and a 60th minute cross was met with a perfect volley that gave Musgrove absolutely no chance in the Elston goal. Three minutes later, the home side equalised when another penetrating attack and cross from the right wing was calmly slotted home.

By this time, AJ Sport felt like they could go on to get a winner, but the equaliser served to galvanise the Elston team who started to win more of the ball in midfield and create some attacks of their own. Chances for Tom Hazelwood and Louis Cross came and went, as did further opportunities for Scott and Clarke. But, with 10 minutes remaining, Elston deservedly scored the winning goal when Archie Dillon, the Elston right back, was clearly brought down in the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and it was left to Lloyd to secure the three points.

Elston United: Brad Musgrove, Archie Dillon, Toby Craven, James Smith, Xander Millar, Sam Lloyd, Louis Cross, Harry Johnson, James Scott (Curtis French, 72), Tom Hazelwood, James Clarke.