The prospect of silverware at the end of a frustrating season became a distinct possibility as Freshfield put their cup woes behind them, winning this Tom Rimmer Cup semi-final with something to spare. It would be foolish, though, to expect Second Division Blowick to be a pushover in the final, as it was them that inflicted Freshfield's worst defeat ever, beating them with 8 men towards the end of the 1999/2000 season (click here for a report of that match). With the 2nd XI game called off, the Freshfield support easily outnumbered the Cream contingent as the sun shone at Devonshire Road.
The supporters were given an early shock when an innocuous back-pass from Chris Balshaw bobbled over Nigel Power's expectant right boot allowing Cream to take an easy lead. Freshfield did not panic, however, and did their best to take control of the game. Richie Kemp, an agitated semi-despotic figure at the centre of defence, never allowed complacency to drift into Freshfield's consciousness, though his well-intentioned rantings were loud enough to enter the consciousness of the nearby local residents, one of whom threatened to call the police if the game didn't quieten down. Freshfield worked their way back into the game slowly but confidently, despite the set-back of losing Steve Hughes to a knee injury. His season has not been a lucky one, and it was particularly disappointing to lose him as his inimitable combative running of the midfield had started to gain Freshfield the ascendancy. However, his replacement Damian Nolan combined well with Dave Brooks and they established a strangle-hold on the midfield battle. An equaliser seemed difficult to come by, however, as Tommy Smith was denied by the framework of the goal and Tony Lynch by a goal-line clearance.
Freshfield were one down at the break, but controlled the second half from start to finish. The scores were levelled when neat interplay between Nolan and Brooks saw the latter in space on the right flank. His cross was acrobatically volleyed home by Tommy Smith, equalising with one of his finest goals for the club. At 1-1 Power partially redeemed himself with an important point-blank save, then at the other end the tireless and irrepressible Tony Lynch put Freshfield ahead with a calmly executed finish. That was his 21st goal of a season in which he has finally proved to be a real asset to the senior side. By now Brian McGlynn had come on and made an immediate impact, excelling as he so often does against weaker opposition. The impact of Martin Hirst's arrival in the game was if anything more emphatic, his low curling drive making the game safe. Although Freshfield's final two league games may have little impact on their league position, the fight for starting places for the end-of-season final should make performances all the more important.
Cream prepare to kick-off after Smith has equalised.
Cream prepare to kick-off after Lynch has put Freshfield ahead.
Richie Kemp clears the ball.
Dave Brooks inspects his post-match nasal secretions.
Brian McGlynn unleashes another tantalising cross.
Tony Lynch is all smiles after the game.