Links Rangers 1-3 Freshfield 2nd XI
29th September 2002

Freshfield Reserves continued their fine start to the season with a win that saw them go top of the third division for the first time in their short history. It may not have been the case however as Freshfield again started nervously against poor opposition. The first half can only be described as a disappointment for anybody watching as Freshfield played long hopeful balls down the pitch, which were easily snuffed out by the opposition. Links Rangers fared no better in a drab first half, although a scramble in the Freshfield area could have caused an embarrassing setback but luckily Steve Windrum was able to hack the ball away for a corner.

After a much needed half time talking from the manager Freshfield came out far more positive in the second half and took the game to Links Rangers, who could not provide any answers to Freshfield's new incisive passing game. Nik Balshaw started to receive more of the ball in midfield and his composed experience gave the front line some good service to feed off as half chances were created. Not long into the second half the first goal was scored. A Colin Knight corner was swung into the box which John Kkounnous put into the back of the net with a firm header. By now Freshfield were playing with renewed confidence as the left and right wings began to pose more threat with the two full backs linking well with the wide midfield players.

Darren Jawook linked well with Steve Windrum and started to become more threatening down the right as a number of chances were created one of which Nik Balshaw took well from distance. Despite a slight deflection Nik's shot sailed into the roof of the net to put the game beyond doubt. By now Freshfield were dominant with Steve Dwyer having a couple of good efforts from the edge of the Links Rangers box. It wasn't long before the third went in when a whipped Nik Balshaw cross left John Eccles in a good position to head home a well worked goal, to much enthusiastic celebration from the hardworking John with high fives abound.

The Freshfield defence withstood everything that was asked of them, with Steve Rooney performing particularly well. However a corner 5 minutes from time led to an unfortunate consolation for Links as an unsighted Dave Seville put into his own net. This was a minor blip however on an otherwise commanding and assured performance from the keeper. The hope now is that the Reserve side can continue this second half form and make a serious charge for the title.

Team Dave Seville Paddy Rutherford (Alan Campbell) Steve Rooney Steve Windrum John Eccles Colin Knight Nik Balshaw Darren Jawook John Kkounnous Steve Dwyer

Manager's Man of the Match Steve Rooney Player's Man of the Match Nik Balshaw Supporter's Man of the Match TBA