Edge Hill 8 - 14 LJMU Fury: Dramatic Overtime TD Secures Double Header For The Fury

LJMU Came From Behind Again To Win This Defensive Showdown And Chalk Up Back-To-Back Wins Over EHU...

It went down to the very end, but LJMU Fury secured back-to-back victories over Edge Hill Vikings to go 2-0 and set themselves up for a strong year in the Division 2 North West.

With both teams adjusting to their experience from last week and windy conditions hampering offensive creativity, the game was a tense defensive showdown that went into overtime tied at 8-8, with no offensive touchdowns scored and only and handful of passing plays attempted all afternoon.

Instead Edge Hill went in at half time ahead 8-3 thanks to a fumble recovery touchdown and a safety, before LJMU recorded a field goal and a safety of their own to tie the game. Edge Hill received the ball first, but LJMU’s defence shut them out, and running back Daishawn Honohan charged home on their first play to seal the win.

Fury defensive back Ben Rawthore said: “It was ridiculously windy and raining (hailing at one point). It put us in bad field position and being backed up on our own endzone lead to our offence giving up a fumble recovered for a TD and then a safety on the next drive.

“We changed our scheme slightly to try and prevent giving up big plays, which we did. Our defence didn’t give up a score, we shut them out so we felt confident and in control, unfortunately our offence was struggling and couldn’t capitalise.

“When Daishawn scored in overtime, the sideline erupted. Players, coaches, everyone ran onto the pitch to celebrate with D. It was a great feeling and makes it all worthwhile. I’m sure the guys will remember this victory for a long time.

Today wasn’t pretty but we got the win and that’s all that matters. We proved we’re not just a 3G team and we can get results even when the weather is bad. That being said we’ve got a lot of work to do to get ready for our next game against Bangor.”

Everyone ran onto the pitch to celebrate with D. It was a great feeling and makes it all worthwhile. I’m sure the guys will remember this victory for a long time." - Ben Rawthore, LJMU Fury.

Meanwhile, heartbroken Vikings lineman Ryan Stillwell told us: “It was extremely tense with neither side being able to move the chains effectively. This game was on a knife's edge the whole way. With both offenses struggling, it became a battle of the defensive side of the ball. Their D stopped us dead, but our D pushed theirs back and scored all of our points today. It was another game where for most of it, we were winning and had some form of control.

“We had installed a couple of new plays and some new formations, an addition to our offensive game, but most of that had to be put to bed when we realised how bad conditions would be and that 99% of the time we'd be running the ball. Today was largely improvisation on each play, and it so nearly worked.

“It’s incredibly painful. JMU were tipped to walk this division without breaking a sweat, so for us to come in and take them to the wire twice, it's tough to come away with two losses, especially in such a way as overtime. We've put out a real statement though. We're a new team and we weren't predicted to do anything, but I feel that perception will change when everyone discovers how much it took for JMU to beat us in these past two weeks. We're not here to fill up the numbers, and we've proved that so far.”

With Edge Hill’s away trip to Bangor two weeks ago having been rearranged for January 24th, they have two months to prepare for the Muddogs. Including that game, they will then play on 5 consecutive Sundays to complete their season.

Despite going into Christmas on the back of two gut-punching defeats, Ryan is staying optimistic.

“The playoffs may be out of reach now, but if we can go 6-2, that would be incredible in our first ever season. Our next step is to learn from these games, and then come back fresh, knowing we can mix it and win football games. Despite this overtime loss, this is a proud day. We can move forward knowing people underestimated us, and that we the Vikings will keep improving.”