Leicester Lightening United FC

IT’S MATCHDAY – LET’S BRING THE FIRE
Sunday 4th May 2025 | Kick-off: 14:30
Kimberley School, Newdigate Street, NG16 2NJ

After pushing league leaders Boston to the wire last weekend, the Lightning are back and ready to strike again. The fight, passion and team spirit were clear for all to see — and we’re taking that same energy into today’s clash!

Tom Hayes returns in goal after an incredible Man of the Match performance, pulling off save after save to keep us in the battle. Safe hands and big presence at the back!

And a big shoutout to Kyle Lee, who impressed in his first appearance for the squad — full of work rate, composure and fight. He’s earned his starting spot and will be one to watch today.

Let’s go again. All in. All together.
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Starting XI:
1. Tom Hayes
2. Tunde Read
3. Mike Palmer
4. James Hayes
5. Gareth Holmes
6. Martin Morris
7. Oliver Creese
8. Kyle Lee
9. Liam Withers
10. Keith Leake
11. Jason Coggins

Bench:
12. Martin Perkins
13. Shaun Swarbrick
14. Ben Long
15. Tom King

MATCH REPORT: Boston Man v Fat FC vs Leicester Lightning
Final Score: Boston 4 - 3 Leicester Lightning

Leicester Lightning travelled to Haven High Academy to take on Boston Man v Fat in a back-and-forth battle that saw goals, grit, and a standout performance between the sticks.

Boston came out strong, pressing from the front and forcing an early mistake at the back to go 1-0 up. Leicester responded well, stringing together a great passage of play that ended with Keith firing home from range to level the game.

Boston regained the lead with a long ball over the top, finished by their striker—but Lightning struck back almost instantly. A chipped effort from Fish beat the keeper but crashed off the bar, landing perfectly for Keith to tap home for his second of the game.

Then came Leicester’s third: some brilliant link-up play down the right between Oliver and Tunde opened up space, with Oliver delivering a perfect ball across the box for Connor to calmly slot home and put Lightning 3-2 up at the break.

A key part of staying ahead in the first half was thanks to Tom in goal, who made some big saves to keep Boston at bay and preserve the lead.

The second half saw Boston rotate a full fresh 11, while Leicester had just one sub—already carrying a knock. Despite the odds, Leicester battled hard, with Tom continuing to make vital saves to keep the game tight. Boston eventually grabbed two second-half goals to take the lead, but Lightning never gave up.

Man of the Match went to Tom Hayes, whose performance in goal kept Leicester in the fight throughout both halves. A top display—well done, Tom!

A 4-3 defeat in the end, but a performance full of heart, quality and spirit. With more legs on the bench, it could’ve been a very different outcome.

All set and ready for today’s match at Haven High!
Looking forward to a great game against Boston MVF — best of luck to both sides. Let’s make it a good one!

⬛️ 𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 🟨

Boston Man v Fat FC 🆚️ Leicester Lightening United FC
⏰️ 𝟐:𝟑𝟎𝐏𝐌
📌 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲, 𝐏𝐄𝟐𝟏 𝟗𝐇𝐁

𝘾𝘼𝙉 𝘽𝙊𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙉 𝙈𝙫𝙁 𝙁𝘾 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝘼𝙒𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙒𝙄𝙉 ?

🏆 MAN OF THE MATCH – JAMES HAYES 🏆

A commanding performance at the back earns James Hayes the MOTM award in our game against Grantham!

Leading an experimental back three for the first time this season, James stepped up with a battling display—dominating in the air, staying calm under pressure, and confidently starting attacks from the back. His leadership and support for his teammates kept us in the game, showing exactly why he deserves this recognition.

Well played, James! 👏🔵

Big thanks to our sponsor Ibiza Hire for their continued support.

⚽ MATCH RESULT: Leicester 3-4 Grantham ⚽

A tough battle today as we fell to a 4-3 defeat against Grantham.

Leicester came flying out of the blocks, dominating the first 25 minutes with some great balls in behind and clinical finishing to take a 2-0 lead. But as the half wore on, tired legs crept in, and two sloppy goals saw us head into the break level at 2-2.

In the second half, Grantham made the most of their fresh legs, rotating well and keeping the pressure on. Despite some heroic saves from Tom Hayes and a backline that worked tirelessly, we just couldn’t hold off the visitors. With few subs available, it was a tough ask—but the fight and commitment from the lads was something to be proud of!

We go again! 💪🔵

Big thanks to our sponsor Ibiza Hire for their continued support.

🔥 GAME DAY 🔥

It’s matchday, and what a day for it! The lads are ready to go as we take on Grantham this afternoon. 💙⚽

🏟 DMU Beaumont Park
⏰ Kick-off: 4PM

After a strong performance last time out, the team is fired up and looking to bounce back in style. The energy is high, the focus is sharp, and we’re ready to leave it all on the pitch!

Let’s get behind the lads and push for that result! Who’s backing Leicester Lightening today? 💪⚡

🔥 MATCHDAY SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT 🔥

Here it is, your Starting XI for this Sunday’s clash against Grantham! 💙⚽

🏟 Location: DMU Beaumont Park
⏰ Kick-off: 4PM

The lads put in a strong team performance last time out, battling hard against top-of-the-league Derby and showing real determination across the pitch. Oliver Creese, who played a key role in linking play, keeping the ball moving, and staying positive in possession, is back in the starting lineup again after his impressive display.

That performance showed we’re ready for this challenge. The hunger is there, the fight is real, and this is the perfect time to bounce back and get back to winning ways! 🔥

Let’s bring the energy this Sunday! Who’s backing the lads? 💪⚽

⚡ UP NEXT: GRANHAM (H) ⚡

The lads are back in action this Sunday, 16th March, as we take on Grantham MVF at….
DMU Beaumont Park! 🏟️
⏰ Kick-off: 4PM

After a couple of tough results, the squad is fired up and ready to bounce back! 💪 The determination is there, the hunger is real, and we’re looking to get back to winning ways in front of our home support! 🔥

Stay tuned—team sheet drops later this week! 👀 Who’s ready for game day? 💙⚽

🔵⚽ PLAYER SPOTLIGHT ⚽🔵

Next up in our Player Spotlight is Jason Coggins!

🔥 Position: Striker
🎯 Shirt Number: #9
📅 Seasons at LLUFC: 4

We caught up with Jason to learn more about his football journey:

💬 Did you play much football before joining Man v Fat?
“Yeah, I’ve played lots over the years.”

💬 What position do you play, and is that where you’ve always played?
“Striker—I’ve always played there or on the wing.”

💬 What’s been your best moment in Man v Fat 11-a-side so far?
“Just getting back into 11-a-side after three big injuries and a couple of knee operations. Though turning up at half-time for one game, scoring six, and getting two assists comes close!”

What a comeback story! Keep banging in the goals, Jason! 💪⚽

Sponsored by: Ibizahire.com

🏆 MVF Leicester Lightening Fc Mike Palmer Joins the Amazing Loser Game! ⚽🔥

We’ve got HUGE news—MVF Nuneaton’s very own Mike Palmer has been selected for the prestigious MAN v FAT Amazing Losers Game! 🎉👏

📅 Date: Friday 23rd May 2025
📍 Venue: Brisbane Road, home of Leyton Orient FC

This annual event brings together up to 40 MAN v FAT members who have achieved incredible weight-loss transformations, giving them the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in an 11-a-side match at a professional stadium! With two ex-Premier League managers taking charge, it’s set to be an unforgettable showdown!

Mike’s journey? Absolutely phenomenal. 💪 Since joining MAN v FAT in February 2024, he has shed over 50kg, smashing the 30% weight loss milestone in just one year! His dedication, hard work, and commitment to a healthier lifestyle are nothing short of inspirational.

Let’s rally behind Mike as he steps onto the big stage! 👏 Get your tickets now and be part of this incredible event: TICKETS HERE

Go smash it, Mike! 🚀⚽

📢 PLAYER SPOTLIGHT – COMING SOON! 🔵⚽

Ever wondered about the lads who make our club what it is? Well, you’re about to find out! Our Player Spotlight series is on the way, giving you a closer look at the players who bring the passion, commitment, and banter to Leicester Man v Fat 11-a-side.

Stay tuned as we introduce the faces behind the football. Who will be featured first? 👀

Big thanks to our sponsor Ibiza Hire for supporting the team!