Oswaldtwistle Immanuel made it 2 wins out of 2 as they beat Hare and Hounds in a thrilling cup encounter at Pleasington.
It was the second meeting between these two sides in just over a fortnight after the league meeting that Hare and Hounds had won 8-4 despite a spirited performance from Immanuel. Andy PArky hoped for a similar performance today but hopefully a better result.
This match saw the return of goalkeeper Matt Cook after he had disgracefully let his team down by booking a holiday during the season. He owed his team a performance if he was to gain their respect again.
He was called into action early as he dived low to somehow push away a Hare and Hounds chance that looked goalbound in the first few minutes. It was a marvellous save that stopped Immanuel carrying on their recent trend of going behind early on in games.
Apart from that chance though, the early stages belonged to Immanuel and on 11 minutes a free kick from the left side from Toby Hodgkiss was headed across goal by Graham 'Psycho' Harrison and Matt Hodgkiss's short back and noodles rose highest to head home. A deserved lead for Immanuel.
Things got even better 15 minutes later as Andy Dewhurst found himself through on goal. He was unlucky on this occasion as the Hare and Hounds keeper got down low to save Dewhurst's shot but he could only push it out to John Spencer who tapped home the rebound.
Hare and Hounds got themselves back into the game with a set piece just before half time but Immanuel went into the break ahead. Although they felt that their performance had deserved a more comfortable lead and although they were playing well they had to remember that in the previous match between these sides Immanuel had held a 1 goal lead at this stage before capitulating in the second half.
Lightning wasn't to strike twice though and despite Hare and Hounds starting the second half well, a break from Immanuel led to Graham Harrison's pinpoint cross being met by a bullet header from Andy Dewhurst to make it 3-1 and give Dewhurst his fifth of the season.
The game looked to be put beyond doubt with 14 minutes to go when Matt Hodgkiss's perfect crossfield ball found Graham Harrison who raced clear and slotted home to make it 4-1 with a goal that Harrison's performance thoroughly deserved. He had showed throughout the match how good a player he can be when he concentrates on kicking the ball rather than goalkeepers.
There was still time for Immanuel to make things difficult as they allowed Hare and Hounds to snatch 2 late goals in a mad last 10 minutes that also saw Immanuel pick up 3 bookings, 2 of which going to Toby and Matt Hodgkiss. The referee clearly showing that he, like everyone else, has a favourite Hodgkiss!
Immanuel held on for a 4-3 victory and they progress to the next round after possibly their best performance since their formation. In a game littered with positives including great goals and an impressive return from Matt Cook it was also a positive return to the team for Fergus 'The Prodigal Doug' Heyes as he made his first appearance of the season amidst chants of 'Who are ya! Who are ya!' from the supporters.
So, it was a fine performance and result for Immanuel which sets them up nicely for what is a big weekend of derby clashes in the North West as Blackburn meet Burnley in t'classico and Manchester City face Manchester United, but by far the most mouth-watering fixture of the weekend is the Oswaldtwistle derby as Immanuel face their vicious enemies, Stanhill WMC, at Pleasington.
