After a run of four league victories, Elston United missed out on moving to the top spot of Division 3 of the Nottinghamshire Senior League, when they narrowly lost 3-2 away to Gedling Soutbank, the league leaders. Elston led after two minutes, following a fine run and finish by the in-form Will Veys. The visitors continued to play some excellent football and there were further chances for Barney Repper and Louis Cross, but Elston were unable to extend their lead. Just before the interval, and against the run of play, Gedling equalised to make the half-time score 1-1.
The second half was a more even game and there were fewer chances for both sides. After 60 minutes, however, Gedling managed to combine on the edge of the penalty area for a fine finish to make the score 2-1, before extending their lead further in the 75th minute.
Despite these setbacks, Elston continued to attack, with Will Veys and Harry Johnson on the wings creating further chances. Elston’s persistence was repaid in the 85th minute when James Scott’s free kick was swept home by Sam Lloyd. The visitors pressed for a late equaliser, but Gedling’s defence held firm and the game finished 3-2 to Gedling.
The result leaves Elston in fourth place, with 23 points from 11 games, but with games in hand on the teams above them the team still have an opportunity to compete for promotion to Division 2.