Moston Brook AFC

After last season’s results between these two sides it was typical to see Unsworth arrive to this game as if it was the derby.

In saying that and considering that the weather was extremely cold and bitter this morning both teams started well and created a few chances between them. Brook’s keeper prevented Unsworth going ahead in the 15^th minute with a fantastic finger tip save, which sent the ball over the bar for a corner. Niall Rafferty had his shot saved at the other end 5 minutes later. On the whole possession was pretty much even between the two sides for the full duration of the first half, which ended 0 – 0.

Brook began to look a bit disheveled in the second half particularly the defence.

Unsworth took advantage of the situation and were dominating until they scored in the 45^th minute. Brook retaliated in a fantastic manner and stepped up the challenge by playing some great passing football. This led to Brook’s equaliser, which came from a superb free kick shot taken by Captain Darius just outside of the area. He kicked it that hard and that fast that the keeper had no chance of even the slightest touch. A few minutes later three of Brook’s defenders were caught out of position, which gave Unsworth easy access to put them ahead once again. 1 – 2. In response to this Brook came alive once again and managed to keep possession from one end of the pitch to the other before being awarded a free kick for a foul on Darius. Darius took the kick, which was at a funny angle outside the box to the right of goal and just a few inches away from the corner flag. Everyone expected him to cross it in for another player to pounce upon. However it was one of those magical goals that swerved through the air, curling over the top of the keepers head and outstretched hands before pounding straight into the top left hand corner of the net to make it now 2 v 2.

With only ten minutes remaining Unsworth scored again after a clearance ball from the Brook defence only went as far as the chest of an Unsworth player. He immediately knocked it forward and into a wide open space in front of goal for the Unsworth striker to send home. Just before the full time whistle Unsworth scored their 4th when Brook’s sloppiness in defence re-emerged and allowed them through on goal again. The match finally ended 2 v 4.

MOTM today was Craig Mckay for another great performance in defence despite the lack of support from the others at the back. Also Darius for lifting the team spirit and encouraging them to respond positively to the Unsworth goals and for scoring two fantastic goals himself. Well Done!