Walney
Following a great win on Monday evening the lads seemed confident ahead of today’s game. Another couple of changes to the team this time forced by injuries gave chances to some players who have recently been performing very well.
Pre game and the message was clear about opening the gap up against today’s opponents, recently beating some good opposition showing that they are more than capable to beat anyone in this league. A fairly settled team of late with only a few changes helped to build the players confidence. Again another game which Dalton didn’t want to lose having under performed in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
The game got under way, Dalton seeming to struggle to get to grips, looking slightly shaken early doors caused somewhat a concern for the management. The players looking to be lacking heart and conviction which is never a good sign!!! Both teams playing the long ball game which was clear to see suited Walney but not Dalton as they have become more of a passing team who look to play out from the back and break lines with their play. A few chances went begging for away side. One which was questioned whether it crossed the line or if it should of been a penalty for deliberate handball, neither given by the referee.
HT and stern words in the changing room, the players all knew the performance was severely under par and that they all needed to raise their game.
The 2nd half got underway and early signs were showing that not a lot was going to change. A early call for the subs to warm up in hope to change something untill the ever reliable Jonny While produced one of his teasing balls into the box which was met by a lively Keith Holmes to put the lads 1-0 up. Moments later the ball sat up beautifully for Kieron Solway to smash home a cracking cross goal strike which nestled into the side netting, a sudden mix up between players, yet arguable foul cost the home side when Solway again walked clean through and tucked the ball in to take the lead. 2 goals in 2 minutes completely turned the game on its head. A heavy 10 minutes of Walney attack’s saw them gain a 3-1 lead. Dalton heads were down and it was a struggle to see any way out of it. Changes were made to the home side and fresh legs brought a fresh approach. 10 minutes left and Dalton threw the kitchen sink at Walney which saw CBs George Akred Andy Frazer and Jack Hurst driving high up the pitch with the ball. On 86 minutes a wonderful pass with the outside of the foot by Andy Frazer was met by the head of Holmes at the back post. This raised the home side and all the supporters. I sudden belief in the air. A very confident Akred and Hurst kept forcing the ball onto top of the Walney defence. Deep in injury time saw a outstanding cross field ball by Akred travel a good 60 yards into the path of Fisher who struck from the edge of the box, Danny Leech got in the way and flicked it with his head sending the ball in the opposite direction to the goalkeeper and crashing into the net. A late burst from what had been a poor performance gained the home side a very valuable yet arguably undeserved point.
After the game it was clear the lads were disappointed with the performance as a team even though their had been some very good individual performances. Another point on the board was the positive for today and extended the unbeaten run to 4 games which hasn’t happened in a lot of years at Dalton United.
3 Points - Keith Holmes 2 Points - George Akred 1 Point - Danny Leech
