In a league encounter today at Laithwaite Park, Cherrybrook emerged victorious against Leyland RAFA with a resounding scoreline of 5-2.
The match began with Cherrybrook asserting their dominance early on. A number of chances went begging before Jack Thorogood opened the scoring with a well-placed left-footed shot from inside the box, sending the home fans (all 10 of them) into raptures. Cherrybrook then spurned numerous chances with the most glaring by Fleming who put a golden opportunity high & wide from 10 yards out. He also hit the post and Sykes hit the bar with a great lob after spotting the keeper off his line.
Leyland RAFA responded ten minutes later, equalising in the 32nd minute with a stunning lob from long range, executed with precision by their no 9 who was outstanding on the day. The deftly placed ball leaving the stranded Finch clutching at fresh air.
As the teams headed into half-time at 1-1, the stage was set for an exciting second half. Cherrybrook came out with renewed vigour and took the lead once again in the 54th minute when Jack Crowther found the net with left-footed finish from inside the box following a poor back pass from a Leyland defender.
Leyland RAFA undeterred, struck back in the 61st minute, scoring from inside the box to level the match at 2-2.
Controversially, Cherrybrooks defenders claimed offside but the linesmen didn't raise his flag.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as both teams sought to seize control of the game and neither side managing to get control.
In the 62nd minute, Cherrybrook made their first substitution, bringing on Reece Carruthers for Jack Thorogood, who had already made a significant impact.
The turning point came shortly after, as Harrison Fleming scored a goal from outside the box in the 65th minute, putting Cherrybrook FC ahead 3-2. Lee Nealen couldn't decide whether it was a cross or a shot, but they all count.
The visitors were then dealt a further blow when one of their players received a yellow card in the 67th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, highlighting their growing frustration.
Cherrybrook had more chances to close out the game but the keeper made some good saves and Crowther had a shot cleared off the line.
In the 73rd minute, Liam Hughes replaced Lewis Maxwell-Argue in midfield. Just a minute later, Jack Thorogood returned to the pitch, taking the place of Harrison Fleming. The substitutions injected fresh energy into the Cherrybrook side, and they capitalised on this momentum.
In the 80th minute, Aaron Sykes scored a spectacular left footed lob from outside the box, extending Cherrybrook's lead to 4-2. The home side was not finished yet, as Jack Thorogood added his second of the match four minutes later. Scoring from inside the box after a well-worked move, and sealing a comprehensive 5-2 victory.
The referee, Mark Fitzpatrick, oversaw a match filled with excitement and drama, as Cherrybrook FC showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. The result not only boosts Cherrybrook's confidence but also solidifies their position in the league, while Leyland RAFA FC will need to regroup after this heavy defeat.
The Leyland no 9 had an outstanding game highlighted by his goal, and he also executed a perfect 'Bergkamp' in the middle of the park.
Cherrybrook shook off the disappointment of their last match and look forward to a visit to Hoole United in the last 16 of the Lancastrian Brigade Cup next week.
