Freshfield 2-2 Ship
15th September 2002
If ever there was a draw that felt like a win, this was it. Freshfield made an impressive start to their first season in the First Division of the Southport and District Sunday League, earning a creditable draw against a side that finished 3rd in the league last season. What was most remarkable was that Freshfield were losing 2-0 with just 6 minutes to play but staged a fantastic come-back with goals from strikers Tommy Smith and Dave Brooks. The team has seen a number of changes since last season. Damian Nolan and Brian McGlynn have been brought in to strengthen the midfield and Steve Hughes has joined to play at centre-half. These welcome additions have been all the more important because of injuries to Steve Makinson and Graeme Davies.
Playing at Formby's new ground at Altcar Road, Freshfield got off to the worst possible start, conceding a goal in the first minute. Lack in concentration allowed a Ship midfielder to dribble into the penalty box and then score off a post, giving Nigel Power no chance. A second followed 15 minutes later when the ball was given away needlessley and this time another excellent finish left Freshfield further behind. The obvious lesson learnt was the mistakes at this level are quickly and harshly punished. It was impressive that those set-backs did nothing to dent Freshfield's team spirit or their determination to play good football. For the remainder of the half they had the better of the possession, albeit that their chances were restricted to long-range efforts. Much of their good work went through Nolan, showing little ill-effect from his wedding celebration the day before. He has also added some much needed height in the midfield. Paul Hayes, given an unexpected start at left-back, produced a sterling performance that will probably put on hold his ambition to become a leading light in the 2nd XI.
It was vital at the start of the second half that another goal was not conceded, and Freshfield held their concentration and their nerve. With a quarter of the match left Ship had a period of sustained pressure during which Power made three important saves to prevent the game going beyond Freshfield's reach. Then came the finale. First Tommy Smith, surrounded by 5 Ship players, somehow created an opening and smashed the ball into the top corner. His work-rate and commitment throughout the game had certainly earned him that goal. Then with seconds left Brian McGlynn did well down the right wing then produced an excellent cross which Dave Brooks did well to reach and even better to get on target, leaving the Ship 'keeper with no chance. This was a result and a performance which can give Freshfield confidence going into next week's important game against their keenest rivals Ainsdale.
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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 |