2000/2001

Fixtures and Results

League Table

Match Reports

Southport and District Football League
Sunday Second Division 00/01
	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts
Hartwood	22	15	4	3	89	32	57	49
Koronet Royals	22	14	4	4	52	35	17	46
Freshfield	22	13	4	5	51	37	14	43
Scarisbrick Hotel Res	22	11	4	7	52	37	15	37
Bedford Rangers Res	22	10	4	8	60	40	20	34
Sandgrounders	22	9	4	9	44	48	-4	31
Metro Reserves	22	6	7	9	38	47	-9	25
Blowick	22	7	4	11	40	53	-13	25
Leisure Sports	22	7	3	12	39	51	-12	24
Formby Dons Res	22	7	3	12	36	65	-29	24
Churchtown Reserves	22	6	5	11	33	43	-10	23
Festival	22	2	4	16	32	77	-45	10

10th September 2000   Metro Reserves 1-2 Freshfield

A revitalised Steve Dwyer, removed from centre-half to centre-forward, scored Freshfield's first and created their second in an encouraging first game of the season.  Freshfield's first-half performance was possibly their best ever, with an enterprising 3-5-2 formation allowing a new midfield line-up to dominate the game.

Metro had little possession as the midfield five of Hirst, Hayes, the Makinson brothers and Simon Richards moved the ball around sweetly. The goal that came mid-way through the half was brilliantly executed. A pinpoint cross from Tommy Smith on the left wing found Richards at the far post. He headed the ball back to the penalty spot where Dwyer volleyed powerfully home.

Hayes and Smith missed excellent chances to leave the half-time score at 1-0. Smith made amends when he latched on to a Dwyer through ball into the second half and rounded the Metro keeper to increase the lead. Despite a controversial penalty awarded against Hirst towards the end, Freshfield withheld some late pressure to take the points.

Team: N.Power, D. Jawook, G. Davies (Capt), C. Balshaw, P. Hayes, S. Makinson, N. Makinson (G. Rooney), S. Richards (J. Eccles), S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Scorers: S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Sub not used: C. Knight
Player's Man of the Match: Graeme Davies    Manager's Man of the Match: S. Dwyer
Supporter's Man of the Match: Simon Richards
Attendance: 11
 
 

24th September 2000 Scarisbrick Hotel Reserves 1-4 Freshfield

This match gave an ideal chance to check Freshfield's progress. The matches against this team last year brought home victories by a single goal on each occasion, and Scarisbrick began this year's campaign with a 5-1 trouncing of Sandgrounders. So it can be seen that real improvement has come over the summer. Tommy Smith's hat-trick was brilliant in its execution, and though the midfield play was not as sparkling as it had been against Metro, there was still enough to impress. Within the first fifteen minutes Steve Dwyer and then Simon Richards played perfectly weighted balls into the path of Smith who rounded the keeper each time with cool aplomb. Although Scarisbrick's Kyle, scorer of the impressive winner in the corresponding fixture last season, scored well from a free-kick 20 yards out before the break, Freshfield were still in command.

The second half saw a brilliant start. Martyn Hirst hit the bar after good approach work, and the ever impressive Richards chased hard to keep the ball in play. A brilliant cross flashed across the face of the goal, and though no-one connected, when the ball came back into the box Richards slotted home from 12 yards. Smith completed an emphatic hat-trick after a long through-ball from Graeme Davies to put the game beyond doubt.

Team: N.Power, D. Jawook, G. Davies (Capt), C. Balshaw, S. Makinson (P. Hayes), N. Makinson (N. Balshaw), G. Rooney, M. Hirst, S. Richards (C. Knight), S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Scorers: T. Smith (3), S. Richards
Player's Man of the Match: Tommy Smith     Manager's Man of the Match: T. Smith 
Supporter's Man of the Match: Graeme Rooney
Attendance: 14
 
 

1st October 2000 Freshfield 4-1 Festival

This match brought out the sun and the crowds. Andy Smith's match notes of our last encounter with Festival suggested they employed a suspect offside trap. Within 12 minutes of the start it had been beaten twice, Dwyer setting Tommy Smith free for the first goal and Nik Balshaw, in his first start of the season, scoring the second. Festival never really recovered from that early set-back, and although they were not without scoring opportunities the result was never really in doubt.

Goals from Smith and Dwyer early in the second-half should have killed the game dead, but Festival showed good spirit in pulling one back and keeping pressure on throughout the half. Dwyer and Balshaw both missed golden opportunities to increase the winning margin, and though the lead was never likely to be thrown away, Freshfield must start applying themselves for the full 90 minutes if this season is to provide real interest when the honours are being handed out.

Team: N.Power, D. Jawook, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, S. Makinson, P. Hayes, N. Balshaw (Capt), G. Rooney, M. Hirst (J. Eccles), S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Subs not used: C. Knight, A. Sutton
Scorers: T. Smith (2), N. Balshaw, S. Dwyer
Player's Man of the Match: N. Power    Manager's Man of the Match: S. Dwyer
Supporter's Man of the Match: N. Power
Attendance: 32

8th October 2000 Colosseum 2-0 Freshfield

A brave performance was not enough to prevent Freshfield's customary first round cup exit against a strong Colosseum side in the Infirmary Cup. Colosseum confirmed their status as First Division title hopefuls playing attractive and incisive football which Freshfield could not quite match. The Freshfield goal was breached early in the first half but the goal was ruled out by the offside flag. This, however, set the tone for the half as Colosseum camped out in the Freshfield half. Clear cut chances were limited as the Freshfield defence held firm, but there was little sign of a goal at the other end.

The second-half was more open but still there was little sign of a goal. Extra time beckoned when Colosseum clinched the match with two goals that came from attacks down Freshfield's left flank. Late on Graeme Davies, inspirational at the back, was thrown up front but to little effect. Steve Dwyer hit the bar with a late effort but a goal at that stage would have provided little beyond consolation. Nevertheless Freshfield can be proud of a fighting performance against their closest and oldest rivals.

Team: N.Power, D. Jawook, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, S. Makinson, P. Hayes, N. Balshaw (Capt) (C. Knight), G. Rooney (A. Sutton) , J. Eccles (M. Hirst), S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Player's Man of the Match: N. Power    Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match:N. Power
Attendance: 28 

15th October 2000  Freshfield 2-3 Sandgrounders

This was a classic "game of two halves". In the first half Freshfield were unorganised, ill-disciplined and unmotivated. Sandgrounders, who had yet to win this season, were well worth their 3-0 half-time lead. The second-half saw a transformation in the home side, who played with energy and conviction but were left without enough time to get the equaliser that they just about deserved. Martyn Hurst was caught in possession after only 5 minutes of the match and the away side took the lead with an impudent chip. Worse was to come as possession was given away again and Sandgrounders scored an emphatic second with a 20-yard half-volley. A third came just before half-time when Power was beaten to a long punt forward and the ball was headed home.

Tommy Smith scored shortly after the break for the home side and the introduction of Steve Makinson alongside a tireless Graeme Rooney in midfield gave more options to Freshfield. Nik Balshaw scored a second late on, but there was no time for the all important third.

Team; N. Power, C. Knight, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, M. Hurst (A. Sutton), P. Hayes (S. Makinson), N. Balshaw (Capt), G. Rooney, J. Eccles (D. Jawook), S. Dwyer, T. Smith
Scorers: T Smith, N. Balshaw
Players' Man of the Match: Graeme Rooney     Supporters' Man of the Match: Graeme Rooney
Managers' Man of the Match: Chris Balshaw
Attendance: 26

22nd October 2000  Formby Dons Reserves 1-2 Freshfield

Dave Irwin scored the winner from the bench to clinch this game in his first appearance of the season to get Freshfield back to winning ways. Freshfield were able to gain all three points despite an inept display from Power between the posts in what was a scrappy but entertaining game. Freshfield were on top for most of the first period. Another in his first match of the season was Neil Ferguson. He's tall and thin, but there the similarities with Patrick Viera stop. Nevertheless he was at his combative best in an unfamiliar central midfield role and gave some much needed aerial power to Freshfield. Inevitably it was Tommy Smith who scored the opener, running on to a long through ball to beat the Dons keeper with ease.

Early into the second half Irwin replaced Smith, who was struggling with a worrying groin injury, and his forthright approach was much to be admired. The Dons equalized with a slick move down their right wing, but almost from the restart Irwin scored the winner, being the first to a lose ball when a goalmouth scramble resulted from a corner from the left. This was not Freshfield's most accomplished performance this season, but with both Makinson brothers and Simon Richards missing, joint managers Kavanagh and Smith will be delighted with the three points.

Team; N. Power, D. Jawook (P. Hayes), G. Davies, C. Balshaw, M. Hurst, A. Sutton, G. Rooney, J. Eccles (C. Knight) N. Ferguson, S. Dwyer, T. Smith (D. Irwin)
Scorers: T Smith, D. Irwin
Players' Man of the Match: N. Ferguson    Supporters' Man of the Match: Graeme Davies
Managers' Man of the Match: Andy Sutton
Attendance: 28

7th January 2001 Freshfield 1-0 Formby Dons Reserves

Freshfield resumed their season after an unfeasibly long winter break against their last opponents. The winter floods did not precipitate a flood of goals but, as on the last time out, Freshfield were just worth the 3 points despite a relatively unconvincing display. Whilst the Brows Lane pitch had been soaking up water, Freshfield had leaked players. In an unexpected move, the Third Division side Formby JSCOB had wooed away Steve Dwyer, John Eccles, Martin Hirst and Neil Ferguson. In Fowler-like fashion, each had been beguiled by the promise of regular first team football. Some had been getting it at Freshfield anyway, but all are wished the very best at their new club. The absence of Dwyer in particular gave Andy Sutton the chance to impress alongside Tommy Smith up front. An impressive all round display was rounded off by scoring the only goal of the match mid way through the second half after impressive approach play.

Simon Richards, returned from his sojourn in Paris, showed that his sometimes Gallic flair had not deserted him and Paul Hayes showed some impressive touches and came very close to scoring after a purposeful run just before half-time. But those two, as the rest of the team, were able to perform at their best only in fits and starts. Nevertheless, after such a long weather-enforced break satisfaction can be taken in no small measure from 3 points and a clean sheet.

Team: N. Power, C. Knight (A. Campbell), G. Davies, C. Balshaw, S. Richards (D. Jawook), G. Rooney, N. Balshaw (Capt), S. Makinson, P. Hayes, A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorer: A. Sutton
Players' Man of the Match:     Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 19

21st January 2001 Bedford Rangers Reserves 8-1 Freshfield

The playing surface for this match was ice, but Freshfield had no response to the Torvill and Dean confidence of the home side. This was Freshfield's record defeat; they were outplayed, outfought and outwitted by a team playing attractive football despite the conditions. All but one of the Bedford goals came from the ball being given away in dangerous positions, but this was not a case of mistakes costing the game. Freshfield didn't compete from first to last.

Some last minute fine-tuning was needed to the starting line-up after Simon Richards and Paul Hayes carried out their own front garden pitch inspections and decided that the game was off. As they laid safely sleeping, Freshfield were 5-0 down by half-time. The game on the adjacent pitch was abandoned by the referee at half-time but no such official good fortune came Freshfield's way. It was only because the opposition eased up a little that the second-half scoreline was marginally less emphatic than the first. The consolation came, inevitably, from Tommy Smith, scoring perhaps the best of the 9 goals in the match. This was Smith's 50th competitive goal for the club but no doubt he would have preferred it to come in more auspicious circumstances.

Team: N. Power, C. Knight (A. Campbell), G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook, G. Rooney, N. Balshaw (Capt), S. Makinson, N. Makinson (P. Rutherford), A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorer: T. Smith
Attendance: 14

28th January 2001 Festival 0-3 Freshfield

If the best way to judge a team is to see how it reacts to a bad performance, Freshfield have much to build on. The commitment, skill and confidence that deserted them last week came back with a vengeance as Festival were easily beaten. The first half saw many attempts to unlock the opposition offside trap, which was as cynical as Arsenal's worst under Graham though slightly less effective. When the trap was beaten, however, the finishing was less than it might have been. Freshfield's performance in the scoreless first half was all too reminiscent of Liverpool at Selhurst Park a fortnight ago.

In the second half, however, Festival's performance became all too reminiscent of Everton against Tranmere in the FA Cup 4th round, inept and deserving of nothing. Graeme Rooney opened the scoring when after a strong run his delicate chip could only be parried by the goalkeeper and Rooney hammered home the rebound. Rooney turned provider ten minuets later when he tackled rather than dribbled his way to the byline, but he produced a pinpoint cross which Andy Sutton headed convincingly home. Dave Irwin sealed an emphatic victory with an emphatic shot fully 30 yards out just before the end to ensure the points went to Freshfield.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies (Capt), C. Balshaw, D. Jawook (A. Campbell), P. Rutherford, G. Rooney, S. Makinson (C. Knight), N. Makinson (P. Hayes), A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorers: G. Rooney, A. Sutton, D. Irwin
Players' Man of the Match:     Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 10

4th February 2001  Leisure Sports 2-2 Freshfield

In the build up to Sunday's away match with Leisure Sports, injuries, christenings and work commitments threatened to decimate Freshfield's line up, but in the event only the lack of a recognised goalkeeper was cause for concern just prior to kick-off. Time for a Knight in shining armour to save the day . . . in this case Colin Knight. Little did Andy Smith and Ray Kavanagh realise that in handing the gloves to Colin they were about to unearth a man-of-the-match performance.

The game produced Freshfield's first draw of the season, though both sides had opportunities to steal the three points. Falling behind twice, Freshfield only had themselves to blame with slack play gifting the ball to the opposition in dangerous areas. Having lost the ball in midfield, Leisure's swift break down Freshfield's left hand side caught out Chris Balshaw and when the ball was whipped into the box a goal mouth scramble ensued which ended with an emphatic strike from Leisure front man Stan from 10 yards that left stand-in goalkeeper Colin Knight no chance. As against Festival, much of Freshfield's good build up play faltered at the last hurdle, at times too fancy, at others the final ball too hurried or delivered too late. However, their reply, when it came, was impressive - a 30 yard shot from the right wing by new Club Captain Darren Jawook which carried over the Leisure 'keeper and crashed into the net. As the game developed, Freshfield's midfield began to dominate, enjoying ever more freedom as space opened up in the middle of the field. For a period Leisure were reduced to occasional breaks, but all the good work was undone when Freshfield's back line once again allowed themselves to be caught in possession deep in their own half. This is an aspect of their play that they must resolve. Following some neat one two's, a loose ball from Nik Balshaw was intercepted and in the ensuing melee in the box Leisure took their chance - and the lead - for the second time.

In the second half, Freshfield's midfield dominance continued and the pressure on Leisure's back line steadily increased. Nevertheless, they stood firm until great work down Freshfield's right wing from Dave Irwin and the increasingly impressive Andy Sutton worked the ball inside to Graeme Rooney who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the home side's net from 25 yards. Leisure continued to create half chances on the break, but not surprisingly their best came from a succession of set pieces where Stan in particular caused the usual problems to the Freshfield defence. Numerous opportunities presented themselves for Freshfield to take the lead, the best falling to Dave Irwin and Nik Balshaw, both of whom were unlucky not to get on the score sheet, and Graeme Rooney who almost produced a carbon copy of his goal, and was denied only by the 'keeper's finger tips and the cross bar. Having struck the woodwork themselves, Leisure will no doubt consider the draw a fair result, but in truth, Freshfield dominated in time of possession and chances created and could be forgiven for regarding this result as two points dropped rather than one gained. Oh, yeah . . . Man of the Match, Colin Knight. Who else ? Look out Mr Power.

Team: C. Knight, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook. N. Balshaw (Capt), P. Rutherford (P. Hayes), G. Rooney, S. Makinson (S. Richards), D. Irwin, A. Sutton, T. Smith
Sub not used: A. Campbell
Scorers: D. Jawook, G. Rooney
Players' Man of the Match:   C. Knight          Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match: T. Smith
Attendance: 14

11th February 2001 Koronet Royals 1-4 Freshfield

Freshfield, lying 3rd in the league at start of play, beat the league leaders Koronet to go top of the table with a performance that was impressive on all fronts. Koronet, 7th in the league last year, are a much improved side and dominated the first 20 minutes of the match with some impressive passing. They very nearly took the lead half way through the first half, but a save from Nigel Power from a powerful header proved to be a turning point. From that point on Freshfield galvanized themselves and produced some fine passing moves of their own. Graeme Davies's drilled shot following a corner gave Freshfield a half-time lead they just deserved. First Tommy Smith then Andy Sutton missed good chances just before half-time which could have proved costly.

The second half proved a much more one-sided affair. A strong determined run took Dave Irwin to the bye-line just after the break and he centered for Sutton to finish with no little composure. Shortly afterwards a long-distance effort from Simon Richards took a slight deflection and found its way to the top corner and soon after Tommy Smith, hardly likely out miss out when four are scored, took the ball round the Koronet keeper to make the points safe. It was a curious feature of this top-of-the-table clash that the League failed to provide a referee, but Koronet's Frank, vaguely reminiscent of Frank Worthington in 1970's denim, did a fine job. Only his award of a late consolation penalty allowed the solid Freshfield defence to be breached, but that goal could not dim the brightness of this performance.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook S. Richards, G. Rooney, S. Makinson (N. Makinson), N. Balshaw (Capt), D. Irwin,  A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorers: G. Davies, A. Sutton, S. Richards, T. Smith
Players' Man of the Match: N. Power              Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 18

18th February 2001 Hartwood 0-3 Freshfield

A hat-trick of long-raneg thunderbolts from Dave Irwin secured the points for Freshfield in this top of the table clash.

11th March 2001 Freshfield 1-3 Hartwood

Freshfield missed their chance to go top on Sunday when they were well beaten 3-1 at home by Hartwood. The teams started level on points at the start of the match, but within a minute of the kick-off Hartwood went ahead after a slick move down the right wing. Missing 5 first team regulars, Freshfield battled hard for the rest of the half but seldom looked like getting back into the match. Their efforts were rewarded, however, when on the stroke of half-time they equalised. Simon Richards crashed a long-range effort onto the bar, and when Andy Sutton tried to score with the rebound it was handled on the line. Richards scored unconvincingly with the resulting penalty.

Hartwood scored again at the start of the second half when poor marking by Freshfield at a corner allowed them in. They scored again shortly afterwards, and though Paul Hayes missed an excellent chance towards the end, Freshfield could have no complaint at the result.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook S. Richards, C. Knight, P. Hayes, P. Rutherford (A. Campbell),  A. Sutton, A. Lynch, A.N. Other
Scorers: S. Richards
Players' Man of the Match:            Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 20

18th March 2001 Freshfield 2-3 Koronet Royals

Once again this top-of-the table clash was left without a League appointed referee and the game ended in high controversy. Koronet Royals, starting the game in second place in the Southport Sunday League Division 2, beat Freshfield. who started third, 3-2. Freshfield started exceptionally well and Tommy Smith, surely the best finisher in the League, made no mistake when put through by Graeme Rooney's exquisite pass. The lead was short lived, however, as Koronet equalised from a disputed but probably fair penalty award. Freshfield fell behind when carelessness by keeper Nigel Power allowed a tame shot to hit the post; the rebound was firmly slotted home.

Freshfield began the second half in much more positive style after a half-time roasting not soon to be forgotten. The introduction of Nik Balshaw paid immediate dividends when with his first touch he split the Koronet defence in half allowing Andy Sutton to complete a cool finish. The game became increasingly frenetic and whilst a draw would have been the fairest result the game seemed likely to produce a deciding goal at any stage. In injury time Koronet broke down the right wing and Power could only palm out a cross which fell kindly for Koronet. The ball was sent goal bound and joined a Koronet player inside the net. No-one, least of all the stand-in referee Frank from Koronet, seemed to know what the decisions would be, but a goal was eventually awarded. Frank did his very best, but Freshfield will be hoping for a referee in black polyester rather than denim and Dr Martens when they resume their quest for promotion at home to Sandgrounders next Sunday.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook S. Richards, C. Knight (N. Balshaw), A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorers: S. Richards
Players' Man of the Match:             Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 22

25th March 2001 Sandgrounders 0-3 Freshfield

Freshfield's promotion chase got back on track on Sunday when they made light work of overcoming the resolute Sandgrounders with an efficient performance. When playing this team at home earlier in the season Freshfield somehow managed to lose but there was no repeat of the slip-up this time. The game started late after Dave Irwin forgot to put his clocks forward and arrived with the kit somewhat belatedly. A strong wind, which favoured Sandgrounders in the first half, encouraged their crude if effective long-ball game. Chances were few and far between in the first period and the game largely by-passed Freshfield's creative options in midfield.

Almost immediately after the break Freshfield took the game by the scruff of the neck and claimed the points. First a determined run by Paul Hayes culminated in a fierce shot which crashed against the cross bar. The ball fell kindly to Andy Sutton who made no mistake with the rebound. Soon after skipper Nik Balshaw, rightly restored to the starting line-up, scored with a well-placed effort and after weathering some late pressure Freshfield made sure of the points through the irrepressible Tommy Smith.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook (C. Knight), S. Richards, N. Balshaw (Capt), P. Hayes, G. Rooney (G. Gazey), S. Makinson, A. Sutton, T. Smith
Scorers: A. Sutton, N. Balshaw, T. Smith
Subs not used:    A. Campbell, T. Lynch
Players' Man of the Match:             Supporters Man of the Match:
Manager's Man of the Match
Attendance: 10

1st April 2001  Freshfield 2-1  Metro Reserves

With no slip-ups allowed between now and the end of the season to keep the second division championship in sight, Freshfield did well to win this match when again a number of first team regulars were unavailable. They started the match brightly and dominated much of the first half, producing some good saves from the Metro keeper. Freshfield's best chance came from Simon Richards, who first produced a full length save from the keeper and then hit the outside of the post with the rebound.

Composure was required in the second half, and it was found in abundance in the unlikely source of Tony Lynch. Leading the front line in the absence of Tommy Smith and following the early departure through injury of Andy Sutton, the recent signing scored a brace of clinically-finished goals early in the second half to take the points. The first was a fierce shot after Simon Richards did well to block a Metro clearance, the second a solo effort after being well found from midfield. Metro's goal was a late consolation from a corner, allowed by slack marking, but this was always Freshfield's match.

Team: N. Power, A. Campbell, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, S. Makinson, N. Makinson, G. Rooney (P. Rutherford), S. Richards, N. Balshaw (Capt), A. Lynch, A. Sutton (C. Knight)
Scorers: A. Lynch (2)
Player's Man of the Match: A. Lynch    Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match: S. Makinson
Attendance: 21

8th April 2001  Freshfield 4-1 Leisure Sports

Freshfield made it 3 wins in a row with a comfortable victory against a spirited 10-man Leisure Sports. This (usually) fiercely contested local derby effectively ended as a contest after 10 minutes, by which time Tony Lynch had netted twice to continue his rich vein of form. His first was an emphatic volley after an exquisite cross from Simon Richards, the second a cool finish after another good cross from Darren Jawook. Tommy Smith teased the Leisure keeper cruelly before making the score 3-0 and denied Lynch a deserved hat-trick by himself converting a penalty after Richards had been brought down.

The second half was very much an anti-climax, with Freshfield lacking any real passion or inventiveness. Paul Hayes injected some much needed urgency when he replaced the solid Graeme Rooney and Richards hit the bar with a long-range effort, but Freshfield were unable to motivate themselves sufficiently to add to the scoreline. A well-struck effort gave Leisure a deserved consolation, but this was another crucial 3 points in the chase for promotion.

Team: N. Power, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, D. Jawook (C. Knight), S. Makinson, N. Makinson (G. Gazey), G. Rooney (P. Hayes), S. Richards, N. Balshaw (Capt), A. Lynch, T. Smith
Scorers: A. Lynch (2), T. Smith (2, 1 pen)
Subs not used: A. Campbell, D. Irwin
Player's Man of the Match:     Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match:
Attendance: 16

12th April 2001 Freshfield 1-1 Scarisbrick Hotel Reserves

Report to follow.

29th April 2001 Blowick 2-3 Freshfield

With several key players once again missing the Freshfield team had an unfamiliar look to it. Knight replaced Lynch in goal allowing him to use his pace and industry up front, whilst Steve Makinson played at centre half, admirably filling Graeme Davies' boots. The first goal however came from a very familiar route. A long ball from the Freshfield defence intended for Lynch on the left wing was caught in the swirling wind and fell for Smith, his first attempt was blocked by the Blowick defence but he fired home the rebound from 15 yards. Blowick came back strongly and equalised from a penalty after Knight had attempted to dive at the feet of the centre forward, just catching the player. The consensus of opinion was that the player was always looking to go down. Freshfield were in no mood to let that setback get them down and once again it was Smith who scored, sliding the ball home after good work and a fine cross from the right by Irwin.

Blowick equalised for the second time ten minutes after the restart, a tall central midfielder heading home unchallenged from a corner (Freshfield will have to watch this player more closely in the future).The Freshfield players knew that only a win would keep hopes of promotion alive and they pressed for the decisive goal, Neil Makinson and Lynch both missing good chances before Irwin volleyed home an angled ball from midfield. It was a spectacular a goal and typical of a player who will be sorely missed next season. Freshfield dug in for victory and battled to the end against a Blowick team who gave lie to the fact that the tie was meaningless to them. The relief etched on the Freshfield players face at the final whistle told it's own story.

Team: C. Knight, P. Hayes, G. Rooney, C. Balshaw, S. Makinson, N. Makinson, D. Irwin, N. Balshaw (Capt), T. Smith A. Lynch S. Richards
Scorers: T. Smith (2), D. Irwin
Player's Man of the Match:     Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match:

3rd May 2001  Freshfield 0-2 Bedford Rangers Reserves

Nigel Power quite literally threw away Freshfield's title hopes in this keenly fought match with a goalkeeping error mid-way through the second half of this pulsating League fixture. The game was competitive from the very start, though Freshfield had to start with an unfamiliar front line as Tommy Smith was stranded on the Formby by-pass having run out of petrol. Colin Knight, an unfamiliar centre-forward, battled hard in the first half and epitomised a Freshfield performance which left a sometimes superior opposition fighting amongst themselves and getting on the wrong side of the referee.

The second half showed more of the same, with Steve Makinson giving his and perhaps anybody's best ever performance in a Freshfield jersey. His combination of steel, flair and ingenuity was nearly matched by Paul Hayes, and the match was still evenly balanced when Power risked match-fixing allegations with a comedic error. He collected a hopeful ball inside his own area and the pressure had subsided, whereupon he inexplicably lost control of the ball as he went to throw it out and dropped it at the feet of a bemused Bedford forward. He could only hit the post but crossed the rebound to give a teammate an easy headed goal. Freshfield conceded another goal shortly afterwards, and although the game became increasingly ill-tempered Freshfield could not find the strength required to make a comeback.

Team: N.Power, D. Jawook (T. Smith), C. Balshaw, G. Rooney, P. Hayes, S. Makinson, N. Makinson, S. Richards, D. Irwin, C. Knight(A. Campbell)
Player's Man of the Match:     Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match:
Attendance: 26

6th May 2001 Freshfield 3-1 Blowick

This match had end-of-season written all over it, though subsequent events were to prove that it might be one of the most important victories in Freshfield's history. Blowick this time really did look like they had nothing to play for, and when Dave Irwin scored early on it looked like the floodgates might open. It was not to be however, and when a less than alert Graeme Davies failed to prevent Blowick's tall and rangey centre-forward getting past him shortly afterwards Blowick were back on level terms.

It took a delightful chip over the Blowick keeper for Freshfield to regain the lead just after half-time. It came from an unlikely source, however, when pressure from Irwin forced Blowick's centre-half to score in his own goal. Tony Lynch managed to miss a hat-trick of gilt-edged opportunities in the second half but the eminently more reliable Tommy Smith converted the one chance he had to put the game beyond Blowick's reach. With Koronet Royals having lost in midweek, little did Freshfield know that this win gave them hope in the promotion race.

Team: N. Power, C. Knight, G. Davies, C. Balshaw, P. Hayes, G. Rooney (P. Rutherford), S. Richards, N. Balshaw (Capt), D. Irwin (D. Jawook), T. Smith, A. Lynch
Scorers: D. Irwin, T. Smith, one own goal
Sub not used: A. Campbell
Player's Man of the Match:    Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match:
Attendance: 16

15th May 2001  Freshfield 0-0 Churchtown Reserves

This match was overshadowed with the news delivered just before kick-off that promotion was no longer possible. Thinking 6 points from the last two games would take them up, Freshfield were shattered to learn that Scarisbrick Hotel Reserves had played an ineligible player in their unexpected win over Koronet and the points had been reversed. This was still a competitive game but the edge was taken out of it and Freshfield never really got going. With Tommy Smith in Dortmund preparing for Liverpool's Uefa Cup glory and Graeme Davies revising for exams, it was at least good news to see Andy Sutton back from a long injury lay-off.

Nigel Power found his form rather belatedly in the season and had to pull off a string of fine saves to keep his first clean sheet since the 25th March. Freshfield chances were far and few between, though Neil Makinson showed impressive stamina and determination to earn a deserved Man of the Match award. Fixture congestion at Brows Lane meant that this fixture was played at Duke Street park, and a special mention must go to Graeme Rooney, who was out forking the pitch in the afternoon after heavy rain to ensure that the match would be played. If only the fixture had meant as much as he thought it would then.

Team: N. Power, C. Knight (A. Campbell), G. Rooney (P. Rutherford), C. Balshaw, P. Hayes, S. Richards, N. Balshaw (Capt), D. Irwin, N. Makinson, A. Sutton, A. Lynch
Sub not used: D. Jawook, S. Makinson
Player's Man of the Match: N. Makinson   Manager's Man of the Match:
Supporter's Man of the Match: N. Power
Attendance: 15

20th May 2001  Churchtown Reserves 4-4 Freshfield

Captain for the day Dave Irwin fittingly scored Freshfield's fourth as he played his last match before moving to Leeds. It was fitting that this 8 goal-thriller should mark the end of the road for Dave. His forceful tackling, determination and most of all his cannonball shooting will be sorely missed by Freshfield next season. Maverick formations are becoming the trademark way to end the season, and the 2-3-5 line-up for this match did not disappoint. It was more by luck than judgement that the first half was scoreless, but the 8 goals in the second half did more than enough to compensate.

Churchtown scored first, but Paul Hayes did well first to equalise and then to put Freshfield in the lead. His second was memorable more for the set-up; Nigel Power on the left wing received the ball with his back to goal just in the Churchtown half, left his marker for dead with an exquisite "Cruyff turn" and then split the opposition with a perfectly judged pass that left Hayes with the goal at his mercy. Churchtown equalised later in the half, before Graeme Davies thundered home with a header from a corner and Dave Irwin ran half the pitch to score his last Freshfield goal. Paul Hayes' hat-trick was denied when his late effort was mysteriously stopped on the line by a straying 4-year-old child, but by the time Churchtown had levelled in the last minute the result reflected  a great game.

Team: C. Knight, S, Makinson (A. Lynch), P. Hayes, A. Campbell, A. Sutton, G. Rooney (P. Rutherford), C. Balshaw (N. Power),N. Balshaw (D. Jawook), D. Irwin (Capt), S. Richards