Athletico Excelsior F.C. v Kirkham Cons Club F.C.
A horrible day greeted an Excelsior team buoyant of the back of a three game undefeated run. The weather conditions were almost unplayable as the rest of the town had succumb to rigours of winter sunday league football. The delay before the kick off, due to limited numbers of the opposition wrestling themselves out of bed on the cold October morning, didn't help either teams preparation. The game was halted as long as possible before the decision was made to get the game underway with Kirkham fielding only eight players.
First Half
Excelsior look to take advantage of the extra man early in the game but struggle to get to grips with the gale force winds and neither team can get a hold of the ball comfortably in the first five minutes, as right from the outset, despite Kirkhams diminished capacity it seemed to be gearing up to more of a physical confrontation and a battle just to get possession.
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
The first goal was a combination of great play and extreme luck as a few lucky bounces in midfield and one or two short passes found their way to Joe McMillan on the right. He whipped the ball in dangerously and after a couple of bobbles Wrighty was in the right place again to dispatch the ball for Excelsiors opener. Not a classic goal by any means but today was not a day for the quality but definitely the quantity.
1 - 0
Goal - Kirkham
Despite the lack of numbers Kirkham had equalised almost immediately. Eager to get into a passing mentality Chris had attempted to move the ball around the defence but instead played it into the stride of the oncoming attacker who simply stepped on the gas and produced a good finish to beat a suprised Parker in goal.
1 - 1
That goal was a shock to the system and playing into the wind Excelsior picked their heads up and brushed off the dissappointment of conceeding to a team with only eight men.
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
It was hard fought from then on but Excelsior did take the lead again. Excelsior had taken a stranglehold of the game and now were starting the to look the more dominant team in every respect. Using width to spread Kirkham and create space Nick Perry found himself in acres on the right and delivered a fabulous ball onto the the head of the well positioned and waiting Wright whose predatory instincts are starting to notch a few important goals for Athletico.
2 - 1
Kirkham are now up to their full compliment with the late players allowed to bolster their teams efforts with what is now a full 11 a side game.
Goal - Kirkham
Numbers pay and Kirkham start to gain an unnervy acsendency over a war torn Excelsior. Pressure from Kirkham at the back leads to a nervy pass back by Carey that is gobbled up by the same quick Kirkham attacker. He pushes forward unopposed again and lays the ball across to his waiting comrade just 6 yards out to place the ball home. Unlucky for Carey as up to this point in the game he had been by far and away the most outstanding player on the pitch.
2 - 2
Worrying times now for Excelsior as Kirkham begin to look the more accomplished team. Everyone is starting to rue the missed opportunities when Kirkham had 8 but now are 11 and looking to push Excelsior onto the back foot. Despite good performances all round no chances are created until the last five minutes of the half and everyone of them fall to a Kirkham attacker.
Goal - Kirkham
Carey is still slightly shaken from the earlier instant and is seemingly lacking a little confidence on the ball he is tackled in a dangerous area and loses the ball. A quick counter sees Kirkham take the lead for the first time in the match. Kirkhams no.17 the main man running through and lifting the ball over the keeper and securing Kirkhams lead.
2 - 3
Goal - Kirkham
Bad news travels fast and bad news was moving at lightning speed in the form of another Kirkham goal. By way of a penalty conceeded by Chris whose challenge was late. The penalty calmly uted to leave Excelsior trailing by two at half time.
2 - 4
Second half
Excelsior now have the advantage of the wind at their backs and a belief that they can turn this game around. They head out for the second half unchanged but ready to rumble and take control.
The passing play has improved ten fold now and the ball is moved around well making Kirkham chase the game. Long periods of passing play leads to sporadic chances and while no goal came the first 15 minutes of the half was in Athleticos total control. It was bound to have an effect on the scoreline and it did so just after the hour mark.
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
After a great save from a Banny shot the Kirkham keeper is trying to organise his defense for the proceeding corner. Joe is behind the ball and sends the corner dangerously into the six yard area. Where Banny waits unchallenged to steer the ball home for his first goal of the game and his scream of 'come on' in celebration proved to be all the war cry Excelsior needed to begin an incredible fight back.
3 - 4
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
The equaliser came five minutes after from a very similar situation to the previous goal. A McMillan shot is turned round the post by a defender leading to yet another Excelsior corner. Will bends it viciously onto the bar and it after taking wild deflections fell to makeshift centre back Roxby who put the ball away for his first goal of the season.
4 - 4
It seems all but a formality now as Excelsior start to show their superiority flashing shots from any distance to try and take the lead. To a certain extent the calm and efficent football they had successfully fought back with had vanished only to be replaced with a raw hunger for the winning goal.
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
Banny is there again to finish from distance to get the lead and complete what can only be described as an astonishing fight back from Athletico. It was a scramble which saw the ball land at his feet but his strike was sweet and accurate. Finally Excelsior have reward for their persistence and guile.
5 - 4
Sub D. Worral on for C. Baird 75 mins
Sub D. Clayson on for S. Lonsdale 80 mins
Sub J. Davies on for S. Bannister 85 mins
All of whom hid in Maccas car to avoid frostbite, hypothermia and errrrr...the cold! Thank you Macca!
Goal - Athletico Excelsior
A few changes are made to help tired legs but the jist of the game rolls on the same with Excelsior dominating and the final reward comes as a penalty is awarded for a clumsy challenge and Banny steps up to take for his hat trick despite having to wrestle the ball from an eager to take Joe McMillan. Banny strikes a rocket down the middle and concludes what has to be one of Excelsiors season defining games.
6 - 4
The game itself was not a great game of football but it showed fantastic spirit from the Athletico Excelsior team to wade through the mud and come up smellling of roses on the other side.
Yes the football at times was lacking and deadly errors made but the weather had a huge part to play. Shots were taken when passes should have been made and vice versa but all in all, the game was won through spirit and battle when that was exactly what was needed. Keep pushing forward at all costs and take pleasure in the fact that all together we are starting to look like a unit to be reckoned with. Yes we cannot get ahead of ourselves but we can say look at the improvement we have made and say we are Athletico Excelsior. UTAE!
