Romulus V Lichfield City (Premier Division)

​Romulus were looking for a result yesterday evening to narrow the gap between themselves and the play off places. The Roms were eight points off 5th place Darlaston Town coming into this one and could be dark horses for the top five if they can get a run of form going.

It’s been a transitional season so far and the Roms are comfortably in mid table going into the final few months of the campaign.

Lichfield were looking to continue their excellent run of form with a result against Romulus last night. Consecutive wins against Tividale and AFC Wulfrunians had left them in third with 39 points going into this match. Their away form so far had been solid with only two losses from eight matches prior to yesterday.

The atmosphere around CV Stadium prior to kick off was friendly and relaxed with both sets of supporters looking forward to a competitive match. There was a considerable following for the visitors which was commendable for a Monday night in late January.

The ground is one of the more accessible to get to by public transport and can be reached by getting on the 67-bus route to Castle Vale. 

​Starting Line Ups

Romulus’s starting line up featured Lewis Gwilliams starting in goal and Cameron Lee captaining the team from central defence. The formation looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Isai Marselia leading the line up front and being supported by Rob Hanna and Dan Okojie on the wings.

There were two changes from the team that started against Stone Old Alleynians a few weeks ago with George Manning coming into the team and playing in holding midfield.

The starting line up for Lichfield City included James Beeson playing in goal and Joe Haines captaining the team from left back. The formation appeared to be a 4-2-3-1 with Dan Smith playing up front and being supported by Liam Kirton and Luke Childs on the wings.

There were four changes from the team that started against Worcester City in the FA Vase a few weeks ago with Leighton McMenemy coming back into the team and playing in central defence alongside Jamie Elkes. 

First Half

The opening 25 minutes of the match were a bit scrappy with both teams settling into it. The visitors had a few early chances with Jack Edwards having a good opportunity in the box before firing wide and Lewi Burnside having a good chance on the edge of the box before shooting over the bar.

Lichfield were mainly playing a possession-based style and were passing the ball around well throughout midfield and the final third. Romulus were set up on the counterattack and were looking to break with pace to catch the visitors out.  

Lichfield took the lead in the 27th minute through a free kick. Jack Edwards stepped up near the left-hand side of the box and delivered a free kick that was spilled by Lewis Gwilliams to go over the line. It was unfortunate from a Romulus perspective as they were competing well with a quality side up to that point.   

Despite the visitors having a control of the match, there were still positives for Romulus which hinted they could get something from it. Isai Marselia was getting into some good positions around the box and had a few half chances in front of goal. They were also looking good at the back with Ashley Jackson and Cameron Lee doing well to contain the Lichfield chances.

The best chances for Romulus fell near the end of the first half where they were close to getting an equaliser. The best chance fell to Cameron Lee from a corner delivered into the box. Lichfield struggled to clear the ball away from danger and Romulus were close to putting the ball in the net, but it didn’t quite fall to them.

None the less, Lichfield were mainly in control and Jamie Elkes and Jordan Clement were doing well to contain the hosts and not allow them into the match. Jamie Elkes was reading the game excellently at the back and heading dangerous ball away while Jordan Clement was passing the ball around well from holding midfield.

Second Half

Lichfield got a second goal early in the second half which made it an uphill task for Romulus against a quality side. A dangerous ball was delivered into the box and Luke Childs was there to make it 2-0.

Left back James Bowen was also sin binned for ten minutes early in the second half. The visitors took advantage of the space on the left and Lewi Burnside got to the byline before playing a good ball to Dan Smith who finished well at the near post to make it 3-0.

The visitors managed to get a fourth goal a few minutes later and it was a moment of genuine quality. An excellent defence splitting ball found Dan Smith who accelerated through on goal and finished brilliantly into the bottom left corner to make it 4-0.

Despite the score line, Romulus battled in the second half and had a few half chances to reduce the deficit. The best of those fell to substitute Mason Stevens who looked bright since coming off the bench and was getting into some good positions in the final third. He had a few shots on goal that were well saved by James Beeson to preserve the clean sheet.

The second half was similar to the first with Lichfield having a control over the match and Romulus having a few moments in front of goal.

Full Time

Despite the defeat, there’s still some positives which Romulus can build on going forward. Ashley Jackson at right back and Cameron Lee in central defence were good at the back and looked solid defensively. They managed to head a lot of balls away and blocked numerous shots on goal.

There were a few players up front that looked a threat. Isai Marselia looked good up front and caused Lichfield a few problems at the back. He always looks dangerous on the ball in the final third which is a positive.

Substitute Mason Stevens also looked good and was getting into some promising positions in the final third. Both players were creating chances which is a big plus.

Lichfield were excellent in this match and showed why they are near the top of the table. They were passing the ball around with confidence throughout the 90 minutes and creating a lot of good chances in front of goal. They also looked well organised off the ball and did well to contain Romulus yesterday evening.

Jordan Clement was excellent in this match and made a real difference from holding midfield. He gave the visitors that composure on the ball to build up attacks and link up play.

Jamie Elkes was also brilliant at the back and headed balls away throughout. He reads the game well and gets in the right positions to clear the ball. Dan Smith was also good as the number nine and his movement off the ball made the two goals he scored.

Overall, an encouraging performance by Lichfield who will be challenging for a top three spot between now and the end of the season.             

FT Score: Romulus 0-4 Lichfield City     

Attendance: 80

Man of the Match: Jordan Clement (Lichfield City)

Match report written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League