This week’s fixture was the role reversal of last Sundays disappointing draw at Red White and Blue. With the sun shining and the players in good spirits hopefully the Lion could take a vital 3 points and climb out of the relegation zone.
The visitors arrived at full strength and in a good frame of mind after their Staffs Cup final victory on Thursday evening so the Lion would have to really be on top of their game to grab the victory. Brereton only had one change from last week with Crozier coming in for the absent Cowlishaw. The game got underway and the well known Social pitch bobble was seemingly having an effect on the proceedings. RW&B had clearly travelled looking keen and were moving the ball well in the centre of the park, however the impressive Danny Hackett and Paul Lezniak were thwarting everything they had to offer. In defence Dutton, Cockayne, Cushen and Franklin were in tune with one another and looked very solid, giving the opposition no time on the ball and tackling well. On 15 minutes Wright was played in behind but was unable to apply the required finish. Moments later Wright did apply the finish, when a cross field pass from Franklin to Matty Hackett and then a perfectly weighted through ball was latched onto by Wright who smashed home to give the hosts a deserved lead. Jonathan Salt was mesmeric in midfield, making the bobble appear non existent, dancing round tackles and playing the ball well. Brereton Lion had controlled the first half, worked hard and went in at the break at a deserved 1-0.
BRERETON LION 1-0 RED WHITE & BLUE
During half time one change was made, the brilliant Ben Cushen was replaced by Daz Francis. The second half got under way and the Lion were happily knocking the ball around the park, the opponents looking leggy the Lion looked ever threatening going forward. Crozier was working hard on the flanks, embarking on some lung busting runs, some wonderful control on the way ;) The Hackett brothers were both at the races again, Matty showing wonderful skill and displaying great work rate tracking back, Danny working tirelessly in the middle competing with the physical opponents. A moment worth mentioning was some sublime skill from Salt on the hour mark when he flicked the ball over an oncoming player, then flicking it over him again and then finally completing the trick with one more for good measure, leaving his opponent spinning around and seeing stars! The visitors really pushed on in the final 15 minutes, a barrage of corners and crosses were dealt with expertly by the Lion defence, with young full back Tom Dutton showing fine composure on the ball in battling and clearing his lines. Superb team work ethic was on display with Tommy Wright working non stop upfront trying to alleviate the pressure. When the official blew the final whistle there was a roar of delight from the Lion players, it showed how much the result meant and it was well deserved with a hard working display all over the park.
Overall the Lion were good value for the points and the result sees the Brereton side climb out of the relegation zone. Next week is a real crunch game away at Yates in what could be the decider in the race to steer clear of a return to Division 1.
A great effort all round! Same again next week!!
