This game should have been played at Moorefield Rd, however due to persistant bad weather and the number of games played there the game had to be moved to the home of Hoop at Orford Pk. This proved to be a bad omen as Prescot have never won at this ground since records began and this proved too much of a curse to shake off. The pitch was in decent condition considering the over night rainfall and both teams had full squads available except Prescot where missing one of the players of the season Lee Furlong from the defence.
The game started off well for Prescot and they managed to play the ball along the ground during the opening 10 mins, the midfield was dominated by good slick passing between Neil, Merryfield and Wilson however M. Taylor started to look a little isolated when the ball came to the final third. Roach back in the team after 3 weeks out due to illness looked to lack confidence and made some sloppy mistakes early on whcih luckly lead to nothing. Then against the run of play Hoop got on the end of a through ball from the midfield and then got the wrong side of both Thimas and Long before tucking the ball into the far corner leaving Billington unable to do anything about it 1-0
Almost instantly Prescot looked angry and determined. A loose ball was picked up by Roach who played it to Harrison who knocked it inside to Neil,he then laid it off to Wilson who quickly spotted Merryfield in an advanced position and picked him out. Merryfiled still had some work to do, he managed to hold off the defender and the curl it in off the far post Lovely goal and instant reply. 1-1
With about 5 mins to go Prescot took there foot off the gas a little and then a repeat of Hoops first goal came out of some more poor defending. 2-1
Half-time
Valentine tried desperatly to inspire his troops after a depressing first half, however the tune of the game got worse, frustation could be seen all over the pitch. Taylor still looked isolated up top and was trying to feed on scraps and having to come deeper and deeper to try and influence the game, King had got some joy down the left hand side and continued to work himself. Hoop made a change and brought on Big Truck to bully the back 4 of Prescot. Then Coleman's match ended as he was taken off due to injury and Ellis replaced him. Then King and Neil where replaced by R. Taylor and Brierley.
Then Big Truck done exactly what he was sent on to do running through Thomas before squeezing it under Billos body. 3-1
Frustration turned to anger as M. Taylor had a spot of little man syndrome and stood on the centre halfs foot before recieving a punch in the back, this led to a mass brawl for about 5 mins before it calmed down ending with R.Taylor being booked along with the punch thrower. Within 1 min of that Harrison came under some heavy tackles and then reacted by motioning his head at Big Truck. The ref had no option but to show his blood red card.
More changes Kearns for Roach and Roberts for Long.
Roberts had only been on for 5 mins before injuring his ankle form a heavey tackle in the box, ref rule it to be fair and gave a corner but Robbo's game was over, leading to King to return to the pitch to replace him. Prescot gave it another push and get a glimmer of light a Matty broke free in the box and smashed one in at the near post. 3-2
Then King produced one of the best moments of the game as he went into a 50-50 and came off with a boot firmly in his spine he went down hard. Then he rolled over and SMASHED Orford Pk firmly in the gut. Well done Alan. I think next time we visit the curse will have wet undies.
The game however was killed off with about 5 mins to go when the ball broke free to a Hoop player who steadied himself and hit a good shot straight into the net. 4-2
Full-time
Many questions to be asked by all the players in the team. Best player of a bad bunch had to be King who got hold of the ball and kept the pass simple. Knowsley next week! Lets hope everyone turns up in body and spirit.
