Our “home” game against old rivals Withington came only two weeks after our first meeting with the Rangers which had ended in a thumping 5-0 defeat – same pitch, same ref; would pride be restored after our previous disappointing display?
It certainly was as the Heyside team created much the better chances and were unfortunate not to get the win their performance deserved after a highly entertaining game ended up all square at 0-0.
It’s fair to say there is a bit of needle in our games against Withington – probably a result of 5 meetings in cup and league last season which ended with both teams deservedly promoted to the second division. If anything our opponents were stronger than last season and like us are right in the hunt for honours at the top end of the league.
After a fairly even opening half Heyside were certainly the stronger team in the second half and Aaron went close on a couple of occasions with long range efforts, skimming the bar and post with one attempt and finding the Rangers keeper in top form with his others. Closest of all one superb long range strike smashed against the bar after some neat approach play. Another goal bound free kick from Louis was headed over the bar by Aaron as he attempted to deflect the ball away from the keeper. Ryan, Joel, Jack and Louis had all combined well with Aaron to put pressure on the Withington team who were always a threat but found Lennon and Matty in determined mood at the back which limited them to few efforts on George’s goal. George was forced into one good save but the Rangers keeper was the busier of the two by far.
Rangers had claims for a penalty rightly waved away by the ref much to the disgust of their supporters behind the goal – tough!!! Well funnily enough yes they did look at bit tough and I must remember to have a quick look next time before I tell someone to shut up again! On second thoughts I must remember to keep my thoughts to myself in future – not for the first time this season I have come away thinking I’ve made a complete idiot of myself.
A much improved display from our previous meeting – well done lads I think you shaded the game and deserved to win but still a great result for the team.
Anyway onwards and upwards we have another tough game next week against much improved Uppermill. With the A team also drawing we had a good day and maintained the 4 point gap between the teams whilst remaining only 1 point behind leaders Brendon Bees.
MOM: Ryan – another good effort from Ryan following on from last week but this time against much stronger opposition. Good passing and linked well with Aaron.
