REPORT: Smethwick Rangers 1-2 Atho - Lutterworth Athletic

Smethwick Rangers 1-2 Lutterworth Athletic

Saturday 18th April 2026

Lutterworth Athletic ended the 2025/26 season on a positive note with a hard-earned 2–1 away victory over Smethwick Rangers, capping off an excellent run of form that saw Atho take four wins from their final five matches.

Following the previous weekend’s 5–1 home win over Bilston Town, Dan Carter made several changes to the starting line-up.

Blake Kindred, Max Johnson, Emmanuel Okyere, Adetomiwa Efunnuga, and Kieron Brehon were all named in the XI, while Jake Bull started on the bench after featuring previously.

With a smaller squad available, Atho also named a reduced bench, including youngster Toby Hood, who would go on to play a key role later in the match.

The hosts made the perfect start and opened the scoring in the 6th minute through Jack Ritchie-Hopkin, who produced a curling left-footed effort into the the top corner of the net to put Smethwick Rangers ahead early on.

The opening stages became more difficult for Atho when goalkeeper AJ Young was forced off injured, resulting in an early reshuffle and bringing Jake Bull into the match in goal.

Lutterworth gradually grew into the contest after a slow start and began to settle in possession. Their improvement was rewarded in the 40th minute when top scorer Adam Shaw found the net to bring Atho level at 1–1.

Momentum stayed with Lutterworth moments later when a handball in the box gave Atho the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.

Shaw stepped up, but his effort was well saved by the home goalkeeper, meaning the sides went into half-time level.

The second half was played in far worse conditions as the weather turned, but Atho continued to push forward and took the lead in the 56th minute.

A corner caused problems in the box and the ball fell kindly for Elijah Kazimirow, who headed home to score his first ever goal for the club and put Lutterworth ahead at 2–1.

Atho had opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to add a third.

With limited options available, Jake Bull moved from goal to an outfield role, allowing young goalkeeper Toby Hood to come on and make his First Team debut.

Hood produced a crucial one-on-one save late on to preserve the lead and ensure Atho stayed in control during a tense finish.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, Lutterworth defended strongly and saw out the closing stages to secure all three points and bring the curtain down on the season in the best possible way.

The victory confirms a strong finish to the campaign, with Atho ending the season in 11th place after a much-improved second half of the season that provides real encouragement heading into 2026/27.

Thank you to everyone who travelled to support the team in this fixture and throughout the season, your support is massively appreciated.

ATHO GOALS

Adam Shaw 40'

Elijah Kazimirow 56'

LINEUP

AJ Young (GK)

Blake Kindred

Alex Vineall (C)

Ethan Flaig

Elijah Kazimirow

Kieron Brehon

Max Johnson

Adetomiwa Efunnuga

Luke Merrall

Adam Shaw

SUBS

Toby Hood

Jake Bull

James McGrath