Review of games played on 19/12.

Another depleted Sunday, two cup games, plus five league games. Adswood Utd won their appeal against the Wallasey SL side PLLC who in their Cheshire FA cup game back in November had used too many substitutes. The only drawback, they still had to make the return trip to Wallasey to replay the tie. They went behind early in the game and only for a superb save by keeper Ellis Davies denied the home team going two up. Inspired by their keeper Adswood hit back, Jordan Booth releasing James Firth with a neatly played through ball for him the net the equaliser. Firth, then showed his coolness from the penalty spot to give Adswood the half time honours. It looked all over when Henry Jackson did not hesitate to put his side further ahead with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area. Not for the first time this season Adswood seem to lose concentration when in front, getting caught out twice by the hosts scoring two quick goals to level the scores, game on. There were chances by both teams to clinch the game before the final whistle. In the penalty shoot-out keeper Ellis Davies did his part by saving two penalties leaving team mate Caden Sampson to take the plaudits and put Adswood through with the winning penalty.

The other cup game was nearer home Shaw Heath was at home to Dolphin FC from the East Ches. SL. They did not get off to the best of starts a goalkeeping error presented the visitors with a ‘thankyou’ very much goal. It didn’t get much better for at the half time whistle they were three nil down. Playing with a bit more confidence in the second half, Niall Whyte gave them some hope with his goal but that was their only success, Dolphin wrapped the game up with their fourth and final goal.

The only game in Div. One was between the two unbeaten teams, second placed Offerton Green at home to the new boys Reddish North End Albion. In perfect conditions the ninety minutes of football were a joy to watch whichever team you supported, or just a bystander taking the dog for a walk. The first twenty minutes solely belonged to Offy, laying siege on the Albion goal. Johnny Hurst had a shot tipped over by keeper Harry Arden, who was then glad to see two efforts from Jamie Pickering hit the post and bar. Pickering thought it was third time lucky after Arden had pushed away Dave Young’s shot, he put the ball into the net but his ‘goal’ was adjudged to be offside. Slowly Albion got themselves into the game, using the pace of winger Connor Hughes to make inroads down the right flank. From once such move Ryan Collier’s goal bound shot was blocked by Dave Young. It was a more even affair for the rest of the first half although Arden had to be alert on a couple of occasions to keep out shots from Adam Gardiner and Tyrone Turner, while at the other end, Kyle Clarke put a good chance over the Offy bar. The deadlock was finally broken when Albion were awarded a penalty around the hour mark, Regan Mannion giving Richie Torkington no chance with his well- placed spot kick. Albion’s joy was short lived, Offy’s Dave Young, showed his free kick prowess by lifting the ball over the defensive wall and beat Arden just inside his left hand post. There was a scare at the other end when Layton Smith’s in-swinging corner from the left was cleared off the line. Surviving that scare Offy hit back. Kris Fawcett forced Arden into a smart save, sub James Wheeldon should have done better when put through by Niall Brooks. Only a good save denied Wheeldon atoning for his bad miss then Arden again produced a smart save to deny Hurst a goal. The game was finally decided five minutes from time, Luke Butler, used his pace to break down the right, laid the ball off to Adam Gardiner who rode a couple of challenges in the box then coolly put the ball past Arden for the hard fought winner. There were some feisty moments during the game which I thought the referee handled well. Although beaten, Albion, are certainly a team for the future.

I will start at the bottom of Div. two and say a big well done to Stockport County Supporters, whose Christmas do after their game against Cheadle Galaxy was a lot more joyous by the fact they recorded their first win of the season and climb off the bottom of the division. They even let the home side Cheadle Hulme Galaxy, have a goal start. Kyle Fraser the scorer. George Hudson headed home the equaliser from a corner. Then from another corner Ryan George managed to get the last touch to give County the half time lead. Neither side created much in the second spell but it was Eden Wade’s goal putting the game beyond doubt and make the after match pints taste a lot sweeter. At the top end of the table leaders Hr. Poynton were comfortable winners away at Lostock Rangers. Only Zain Zaeed’s goal separated the two sides at half time, Lostock had chances but did not take them. But it was a different story in the second half. Darrell Dickin got Poynton’s second. sub Jordan Barker, soon got in on the act and netted the next two goals. Jason Whalley ending the scoring with his brace. Only for the good work between the sticks by Lostocks keeper James Fenn the score-line could have been higher. Wythenshawe Ams move into second spot after their 5-0 win at home against Sto. Cosmos Colts who have now been dispatched into bottom place by virtue of G/D.

In the only game played in Div. Three. AFC Didsbury Villa’s 2-0 winners away at Millbrow Res. move’s them up into second spot.

I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas, and everything you wish for in the New Year.

My wish is, those secretaries that find it hard to give me have match reports try a bit harder in 2022.
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This report contains the words, thoughts and opinions of Keith Coates and not necessarily those of the SDSFL.