Wirral 1st XI v Neston

Everyone knew their jobs and the importance of the game and raised their game to the level needed.  A good start was needed and composure was the key.  We started tentatively with strong passing and good movement of the ball.  The attitude seemed their and the opening goal game from a well worked corner.  Chances in the first half then came and went with Harvey and Walker just not having their sticks close to the ground for tip ins!

We kept battling away looking for the second goal, but with it not coming, a misplaced pass by Walker started a Neston break away down the left, only for Bush to softly lean on their left forward and for the umpire to give a harsh stroke.  It was put away well and 1-1 was the score.  This was the score at half time.

With ever dependable performances from Taylor and Frank at the back and constant efforts from Gawith, Lyness and Steadman we still needed two goals.  Half time was about working together and tackling with two hands.  This improved our second half.  We went two one ahead through Bush with a straight strike, but again Neston struck back!  I was not sure we could do it with many a chance going begging.

But with the Ginger Warrior returning to the fray with ten minutes left it fell to Gawith to finish with aplomb in the bottom left corner, 3-2.  With no more than 3 minutes to go Harvey picked off a Neston clearance and attacked down the right putting a ball in for Steadman to finish.  To the delight of all 4-2.  We kept it strong at the back and maintained our composure to win the game and a place in the Wirral U18 final.

Well done lads

AJM