REPORT: Quorn 2-3 Long Eaton United
By Kurt Barnes
Quorn’s unbeaten run came to an end against a tough Long Eaton United side who emerged as 3-2 winners. Gianluca Bucci opened the scoring for the Blues with Luca Alonzi equalising before the break. Zak Goodson added a late consolation after a Liam Loughlan brace that proved the difference, handing Quorn a first league defeat.
From the start of the game, it looked like it was going to be a tough afternoon for the Reds. Long Eaton had come out and shown that Quorn would have to be at their very best, and without Captain Reece Fyfe and joint top scorer Ryan Beswick from midfield, the Methodists struggled to find a foot hold.
Quorn’s first chance came on the 21st minute when Cain Noble was in from close range but couldn’t get enough power on his shot which was comfortably saved by Lewis King. Long Eaton deservedly opened the scoring in the 24th minute as a second straight corner saw an enticing ball to the back post that found Bucci unmarked for a simple finish.
Just over 10 minutes later, there was a mix up at the back for the visitors and it could have been 1-1 but, like Noble before him, Goodson wasn’t able to generate enough power from his close range shot. Just a minute later Goodson was in again, this time forcing a better save from King. Quorn were certainly offering a better account of themselves and were soon level. A quickly-taken corner caused problems as United couldn’t clear. The ball pinged around the six yard box and, after multiple attempts, was finally forced in by Alonzi from close range.
Long Eaton started the second half the brighter and went very close as Loughlan hit a ferocious shot that clipped the post and flew out to safety. The Blues continued to push and got what they deserved as Loughlan struck just moments later. Tom Allsopp kept Quorn in the game with two smart saves, one which was tipped over superbly on the 64th minute. Unfortunately, Allsopp was undone in the 71st minute as his parry fell to Loughlan for an easy finish and a 3-1 lead.
The third goal finally prompted a response from the league leaders as they piled the pressure on for the final 20 minutes. Goodson made it interesting with a breathtaking effort in the 88th minute. Quorn had a couple of chances in stoppage time, but again, failed to really connect with any attempts leaving routine saves for King as United hung on for a deserved three points. Reds fans have been spoiled of late, as Quorn lost at home just once in 2024, matching that total in the first four days of 2025.
Next up for The Methodists is another test, away to Sporting Khalsa on Saturday afternoon. The Lions currently sit fifth in the table and are in tremendous form. Quorn will be hoping that their away form continues, having won 12 straight in the league away The Stotto Stadium.