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The seconds travelled to Heywood to take on Hooley Bridge Celtic lacking a manager. John Hughes was in Nottingham and Heffer injured himself falling down the stairs (probably after about 10 jugs in the Boat and Horses). I was originally told that Dave Kinder would be taking the team but when he didn't turn up until after kick-off, I had to take responsibility and manage the team. My first decision was to leave myself out (some would say, not before time). We were again hit by absentees from the original squad but we eventually took a strong squad of 12. Mike Cahill came into the back four, Chris Moss and Chris Barrow into midfield and Liam Baldwin returning up front.
Moston started the game nervously, obviously a symptom of the two previous heavy defeats and it was Hooley Bridge who made the early running. They created a few half chances but some good defending and woeful long range shooting meant we got through this spell with no damage. As the half went on we started to grow in confidence and started to take control of the game and play some nice football. Terris and Baldwin linking up down the left and Terris put in a fine cross but Liam misjusdged his header. Chay then had a chance at the back post but after seeing his first effort cleared off the line, the ball fell back to him but he missed his kick. We took the lead soon after as Mike Cahill fine through ball found Liam Baldwin and he outpaced the centre-back, rounded the keeper and slotted home.
We started the second-half brightly and Liam was causing our hosts constant problems with his pace and running down the channels. It was from one of these runs that we got the second as his cross found its way to Andy Crossfield at the back post and he finished superbly with the outside of his right foot. This was not to be Crossy's only chance of the match and would be by far his most difficult. Firstly shooting wildly over when in a good position to score and then putting his name forward for miss of the season (challenging Mozzer from the fourth team, I believe). From another excellent run down the right from Liam, the ball was squared to him, six yards out with the goalkeeper out of the picture and he managed to sky the ball over, much to the amusement of myself and Dave Kinder on the line. In his defence the pitch was awful and it may have taken a bobble but he still should have scored. In between Liam cracked the bar from the edge of the area with a well struck drive. Hooley Bridge did have the odd chance themselves from set pieces but Jordan managed to pull out two or three fantastic saves. One of which, I still don't know how he managed to get it over the bar.
A much improved performance from the seconds, especially defensively as we managed to keep our first clean sheet of the season. At times we played some good passing football on a very difficult pitch and could have won by more. Good performances from all 12 players involved. Mike Cahill was excellent at the back and Mark Terris put in a hard working display for the team, down the left, despite not really wanting to play there. Chris Barrow was also excellent in midfield and Liam Baldwin kept their back four on their toes, all afternoon. It has been a shame that, for different reasons, we have not had Liam and Badger available more often ,as they do make a difference when they play. Big test next week as we face league leaders and unbeaten Mellor, back at Nicholls
Last update : 22-11-2008 00:00
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