Town went into the game high on confidence with 1 loss in their last 11 and already through to the quarter finals of the League Cup.
The game started scrappily with neither side able to put any passing moves together. John Mcdade making his long awaited return lasted only 8 minutes before being replaced by Neil Pullen through injury and after 20 minutes James Frost also withdrew because of injury in what was becoming a physical game. The best chances of the half fell to Town with Liam Aubrey firing wide and Chris Jelly shooting over as Town began to take control of the game as the half went on. HT 0-0.
The second half began much better with Town dominating possession as Birstall struggled to get out of their own half. Chances were coming thick and fast as Jelly hit the bar with a header and then had another effort cleared off the line. Ramkissoon then had a free header from a corner but his effort was straight at the keeper. Town created enough chances to win 2 games but were guilty again of not punishing the opposition with keeper Smith a spectator for the second half but the game ended 0-0 therefore going into extra time.
Extra time was again dominated by Town who were doing everything except put the ball in the back of the net. Then with 5 minutes remaining Birstall took the lead out of nowhere with a 30 yard strike. Still there was time for Worrad to miss the target from 3 yards and Pullen to blaze over but in a very 1 sided game Town crashed out of the cup. It was a disappointing result but Town must pick themselves up quickly with a trip to Houghton Rangers next Saturday. Town manager Clarke will be hoping for an improvement in certain player’s attitudes over the coming weeks as this was unacceptable from more than 1 player and as a squad they must come together and move forward.
