Tate nets four more as Common hit rivals for six

Wes Tate plundered a four-goal salvo as Little Common's footballers ran out 6-2 winners at home to Lingfield last night (Tuesday).
Wes Tate (number 10) is congratulated after scoring one of his four goals for Little Common against Lingfield. Picture by Simon NewsteadWes Tate (number 10) is congratulated after scoring one of his four goals for Little Common against Lingfield. Picture by Simon Newstead
Wes Tate (number 10) is congratulated after scoring one of his four goals for Little Common against Lingfield. Picture by Simon Newstead

Tate went one better than his debut hat-trick against Selsey on Saturday as Common scored five goals in the second half of an eventful Macron Store Southern Combination Football League Division One contest. They went third in the table as a result.

With Tate having seen a firm drive beaten out by Lingfield goalkeeper Olly Moore and then sent an angled left-foot drive just wide of the far post, it came as no real surprise when Common struck first in the 16th minute.

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Lewis Hole controlled a ball over the top on his chest before firing through the goalkeeper's legs to score his 13th goal already this season.

Lewis Hole, scorer of Common's opening goal, pressurises a Lingfield opponent. Picture by Simon NewsteadLewis Hole, scorer of Common's opening goal, pressurises a Lingfield opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead
Lewis Hole, scorer of Common's opening goal, pressurises a Lingfield opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead

With the strong wind at their backs, Lingfield responded well to falling behind. Matt Burroughs flashed a shot just wide of the far post and Sam Bell's goalbound shot was crucially deflected over by the head of Common defender George Aston.

Dan Cruikshank saw a terrific effort tipped over at the other end before Lingfield levelled in the 28th minute. A Burroughs corner from the left was powerfully headed home by Charlie Dodd.

Burroughs fired a free kick just too high and Cruikshank's back header looped over as the first half ended all-square, an outcome Common probably would've settled for given the conditions would be in their favour after the restart.

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After Dom Bristow's low shot was pushed aside by Moore, the hosts went ahead again somewhat fortuitously in the 60th minute when Tate's cross from the right sailed over Moore and into the roof of the net.

Common midfielder Harry Saville closes down an opponent. Picture by Simon NewsteadCommon midfielder Harry Saville closes down an opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead
Common midfielder Harry Saville closes down an opponent. Picture by Simon Newstead

Common goalkeeper Matt Cruttwell had to palm away Sam Bell's looping header moments before Harry Saville struck the crossbar at the other end with a splendid strike from Tate's pass.

The Commoners went 3-1 up in the 72nd minute. Hole won a free kick around 30 yards out and dead ball specialist Russell Eldridge gave Moore no chance with a tremendous strike.

Four minutes later it was 4-1. The offside flag stayed down as Tate went through on goal and he was brought down as he tried to round Moore. Tate picked himself up to slam home the resulting penalty.

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Lingfield pulled one back in the 82nd minute. Full-back Matt Gates drove forward before beating Cruttwell with a lovely finish from outside the box.

Tate made sure of the points by completing his hat-trick with a delightful finish over Moore from outside the area in the 85th minute and another neat flick over the goalkeeper, this time from inside the box, rounded-off the scoring three minutes later.

Lingfield's frustration over the officials' decisions had been building throughout the final half-hour, resulting in several yellow cards, and they finished with 10 men after Marc McEvilly picked up his second booking.

Common: Cruttwell, Sherwood, Cooper, Eldridge, Cruikshank, Aston, Saville (Denny 87), Bristow, Hole, Tate, Burgon (Smith 59). Subs not used: Wells, Curteis, McEniry.

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