Mary Dendy’s run in the Crewe Junior Shield was ended in the First Round once again by Cuddingtonwho won at a canter 4-0at Mary Dendy Fields . Dendy worked hard but lacked a cutting edge upfrontwithout the presence ofstriker Matty Morris who is facing weeks out with a hernia.The writing was onthe wall earlyfor the home side with Nathan Harwood’s effort was ruled out for a debatableoffside but Cuddington did take the lead on twenty five minutes when Ali Leighbeat goalkeeper Matt Robinsonto the ball and headJake Glimond’s long throw into an unguarded net. Five minutes later they doubled their lead . Liam Lewis’s floated cross looked to be food and drink for Robinson but he took his eye off the ball and spilt it straight at the feet ofstriker Oliver James who gratefully tapped home to make it 2-0.
Oliver 'Oggie James makes it 3-0 to Cuddington (pic by Matt Eagles)
Five minutes before half time it was seemingly game over for Dendy as Cuddington scoreda third . Captain Steve Rowlands was caught in possession midway inside his own half and Oliver James burst through as Dendy players chased back in vain to poke the ball though Robinsons legs as he rushed out to narrow the angle.
Dendy fought back in what became a rather subdued but controlled second half performance by Cuddington with manager Spike Harwood using all his subs , but they did manage to score a fourth . Oliver James completinghis hat trick in stoppage timewith a tap in after a Dendy player had clearly been fouled in the build up and lay prostrate on the edge of the penalty but referee Rick Bradfield waved away the ensuing protests.
The score line was harsh on Mary Dendy but they remain unbeaten in the East Cheshire League and travel to High Lane next week with the hope of setting the record straight with a win .
