Scarisbrick Hotel 4-2 Freshfield
12th January 2003
Scarisbrick beat Freshfield at the third time of asking this season, and it is hard to say that they didn't deserve to do so. What was most frustrating about this performance was that Freshfield did so well to get themselves back into this match only to give it away again.
The first ten minutes of the match were even but keenly competed, and Freshfield soon had the chance to go ahead when Tommy Smith appeared to be held in the box and a penalty was awarded. A number of candidates for the penalty stepped forward, some more suitable than others, but in the end Tony Lynch took the spot-kick and crashed the ball against the cross-bar. Scarisbrick broke swiftly, were awarded a free-kick midway into the Freshfield half and went ahead when an unmarked man was allowed to sneak in behind the defence and head easily home. As before, the rest of the half was pretty evenly matched, Freshfield's best chance falling to Chris Jones who was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the line.
As happens so commonly, stirring words at half-time were followed by a lack of concentration afterwards, and soon after the kick-off for the second-half Scarisbrick's burly striker Daz was left unmarked after a poor clearance and emphatically volleyed home from 15 yards . That, at least, stirred Freshfield into action. They pulled one back when Tommy Smith muscled his was into a good position, only to have Tony Lynch take the ball from home. Lynch's finish, however, was crisp and brought the score back to 2-1. Freshfield equalised in unusual circumstances. Tommy Smith headed Nigel Power's pinpoint kick on and into the path of Richie Kemp, way out of position without any prior warning. There were few complaints, however, as he hammered an impressive half-volley home, giving the 'Brick 'keeper no chance. Freshfield were then in control of the game and looked the most likely winners, but became frustrated as they failed to capitalise on their extra share of the possession.
The hard work was ultimately undone by lack of concentration at crucial moments. Scarisbrick took the lead when a header was placed just beyond Power's reach, the scorer again unmarked. The game was put beyond Freshfield's reach minutes later when poor marking again mean that a man in space was able to score. Simon Richards, not always in the game but impressive when he was, had made way for John Armstrong, and with hindsight it might have been as well to allow the fresh legs of McGlynn and Booker a chance. In the final analysis, it might be said that Freshfield's desire in this match didn't quite match that of the opposition. Although there are certainly a number of poorer teams than Freshfield in this division, they are going to have to start winning games soon to avoid an uncomfortable end to the season.
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Team
Nigel Power |
Subs Not Used
Manager's Man of the Match
Player's Man of the Match
Supporter's Man of the Match
Attendance |