Round up 27 November 2010

CARLSBERG WEST CHESHIRE AFL
MATCH ROUND UP W/E 27th NOVEMBER 2010

Jack Frost was the big winner in Saturday’s Carlsberg West Cheshire programme. All but three of the scheduled fixtures fell victim to its icy clutches with wholesale postponements being the order of the day. The only 1st Division game to survive featured champions Cammell Laird Reserves playing host to Newton. The previous week Lairds had gained their initial victory of the campaign and were hoping to add to this by claiming the scalp of a Newton outfit who entered the contest with four successive wins under its belt. It was the visitors who asked the early questions with Eddie Szostak having a powerful drive tipped over the bar. But the same player was to enjoy greater success in the 13th minute by putting his side into the lead. A right wing corner was cleared by Lairds but the ball was met by the Newton defender who from fully 35 yards out hit a thumping low drive that passed through a host of bodies on its way into the back of the net. To their credit Lairds regrouped and gradually began to construct a number of attacks of their own. After going close on more than one occasion they were rewarded minutes before the break when a cross from the right was converted by a diving header from central striker Andy Olsen. The 2nd period was mainly fought out in mid field and featured little of the attacking play of the opening half. Few chances were being created although Olsen went close with one headed effort. Just when it appeared that the game was going to end all square Lairds grabbed a late winner when Mike White fired home from the edge of the penalty area following a headed knock down. There was still time for substitute Kieran Fleetwood to restore parity for Newton but his effort went wide leaving Lairds with another 3 points as they bid to climb away from the unfamiliar territory of the wrong end of the table.
The one scheduled Haworth and Gallagher Bowl tie to be staged saw New Brighton entertain Bebington Athletic. As both sides battled for supremacy in the 1st half there were few chances created but after the interval it was the visitors who were to take the lead. A cross was headed down to the feet of Jonathan Oliver who made sure from close range. It took just 2 minutes for the hosts to level when Perrie Black netted after Kyle Birch had supplied the vital pass. With 20 minutes remaining and with the game in the balance New Brighton scored the winning goal. Black linked up with Neil Ashurst who squared the ball for Lee Forsyth to put his side into the semi finals where they will face the winners of the Prescott Cable Reserves/Ashville tie.
Ashville Reserves occupy 4th spot in Division 3 following their emphatic 5-1 home victory over Hale Reserves. Alan Johnson and John Harrison led the way for Ashville by grabbing doubles and were joined on the score sheet by Chris Black while Alan Carlson hit Hale’s consolation.