Point hardly felt fair!

Ramsbottom Utd. 1 Congleton Town 1

Moores & Co. North West Counties Football League Division One: Saturday 1 December 2007

Bears’ fans grimace when it’s time to travel to the away fixture at Ramsbottom United. The Rams, known for their hard tackling style and direct play, have always been a bogey side for Congleton at the Riverside and the Bears have lost on their last three visits there. Anything other than a defeat then, which would significantly harm the Bears’ promotion chances, could be seen as a good result, but in the end, Congleton would be disappointed to leave with just a point.

Influential midfielder Carl Nesbitt was not available for the game and despite early concerns that leading scorer Matt Haddrell would be ineligible, his impending suspension will not take place until the fixture against Abbey Hey, when the Bears will also be missing Adam Vickers. Paul Harris deputised for Nesbitt, but apart from that the Bears were at full strength in the starting line up.

The game started in the worst possible fashion, as Ramsbottom took the game to their opponents with some direct play and Congleton were struggling to get out of their own half. In the fifth minute a long ball down the inside right channel evaded Jay Banawich and found Rams striker Andy Johnson running behind the back line to go clear on goal, before sliding the ball under the advancing Wilkes and into the net to give the home side the lead.

The Bears fought back and there were two moments of controversy around the quarter-hour mark, when hand-ball appeals against Ramsbottom, both of which were inside the penalty area, were ignored by the referee. The first was perhaps understandable as the referee was unsighted, but could have expected better guidance from his assistant. The second incident was clear for all to see. As Eckersley attempted to clear the ball, he only succeeded in deflective the ball onto his hand, raised above his head, and which clearly denied the Bears an advantage. Unmoved, the referee hardly even acknowledged the claims.

That incident inflamed the visiting supporters and the referee did nothing to enhance his reputation as moments later Adam Vickers attempted to clear a long ball but played the ball onto his outstretched arm and a free-kick was duly awarded, much to the chagrin of the Congleton players on the field and the management team on the sidelines.

Congleton had the ball in the back of the net after 30 minutes, but once again a questionable refereeing decision would deny them an equaliser. Jordan Johnson delivered the ball from the corner spot and Haddrell and Alston both rose together with Blackley. Haddrell got his head to the ball and the looping trajectory took it over Rams ‘keeper Campbell’s outstretched hand and dropped under the crossbar. A free-kick was awarded for a push on Blackley, but to most observers it looked like a keenly contested ball that Haddrell won fairly.

The two number eights, Woolley and O’Shaughnessy, picked up bookings within moments of each other and tempers were starting to become a little frayed between the players as the conditions meant that sliding tackles were coming in thick and fast. Congleton by now were looking much the superior side, although the long ball threat from the opposition was still present and Town were nervous to commit too many men forward. From a corner on their right, Haddrell got the better of Williams, but could only direct his header straight at Campbell. Bostock latched on to a free-kick with a free-header, but was distraught to misdirect the ball well wide.
The Bears best opportunity came with just five minutes remaining when a good passing move took the ball across field into the path of Williams, running the left wing. His cross was met at the near post by Andy Hurst who clipped the ball forward and onto the underside of the crossbar. The ball fell kindly to Haddrell just four yards out, but somehow he contrived to blast the ball across the face of goal and wide of the post.

Half-Time: Ramsbottom Utd. 1 Congleton Town 0

There was a major scare for the Bears in the opening minute of the second half as Ramsbottom took after them straight from the start. A free-kick, just beyond the left edge of the penalty area, was floated in to the danger area and Scott Williams was forced to make a clearance, which clipped the crossbar before going behind for a corner. A free-kick in a similar position, just four minutes later, was cleared away into the path of O’Shaughnessy, whose shot from 20 yards out cleared the crossbar by some margin.

After a poor opening five minutes, the Bears picked their game up once more and again started to dominate the majority of the play, often penning back their opponents inside their own penalty box. One promising attack broke down when Williams took on a defender down the left, and having created space for the cross, floated it harmlessly out at the near post. Jordan Johnson was then released down the inside left channel with an excellent through-ball that put him one on one with the advancing Campell. Johnson’s shot beat the ‘keeper but left him head in hands as it rolled agonisingly wide of the far post.

Ramsbottom still posed a threat though and another long ball caught the Bears’ defence napping and scorer Johnson was through once again with a chance to double his tally. Deciding to shoot early he totally misjudged the bounce of the ball and skewed his shot harmlessly out of play. Adam Vickers then picked up a caution on the hour for a late challenge.

The home side would rue that earlier miss as a minute later the Bears were level. A good passing move through midfield saw Haddrell pick up the ball in a central position. The ball was played out to the right and then quickly back inside to Harris who was running the inside right channel. His diagonal ball into the danger area was dummied by Haddrell and ran through to Hurst, who made no mistake, holding off his markers challenge, to first control the ball, and then slide it under the advancing Campbell into the centre of the goal.

After the equaliser, the game went into a bit of a lull, with neither side wanting to concede. Ramsbottom continued to look dangerous from long balls and set pieces, especially from corners, where Hanlon’s delivery was almost always into the danger area. The Bears defence coped well though, and limited them to a solitary opportunity that Blackley put wide. Three substitutions in a thirteen minute period changed the complexion of the Ramsbottom line up, with McClellan, Keegan and Pearson replacing Bagdagi, Sensale and finally the tiring Johnson in the 80th minute.

During that period, Congleton continued in the ascendancy; Jay Banawich produced some fancy footwork to evade two defenders and clip the ball over the defence to the on-rushing Hurst, but Williams was alert and raced across to make the clearance behind. Then Jordan Johnson’s cross looked destined for Hurst at the back post, but Blackley cleared behind. Banawich and Johnson also tried long range efforts, both of which flew well wide.

In the final ten minutes, both sides created scoring opportunities, a good cross was met by Adam Vickers, but under pressure he could only head weakly into Campbell’s arms from 6 yards out. At the other end Hanlon put in another pin-point free-kick to Pulvino at the back post, his goal-bound effort being deflected behind. However, it was a last minute free-kick awarded to the Bears in a central position some 22 yards out from goal that had the Bears’ fans anticipating a winner from Haddrell. Unfortunately, the kick was probably a bit too close to goal for him and he curled the ball narrowly over to leave the Bears with just a point from a game that they by and large shaded over their opponents.

A point hardly seemed to recognise the hard work put in and the opportunities created by the Bears, but it was a point away from home and at a ground where the Bears rarely faired well. With third placed Newcastle travelling to and beating Salford, Trafford moved to the top of the league on goal difference and the top of the table begins to concertina with just seven points covering the top six places. It’s all to play for as we hit the heavy Christmas fixture period.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Bostock, Alston A (C), Harris, Johnson, Woolley, Hurst, Haddrell, Williams.
Subs: JP Jones, Keeling, Twigg, Buckle.

“COLLIEDOG”

Lucky Bears can defend their Trophy.

Congleton Town 3 Middlewich Town 2

Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup Semi-Final – Tues 27th November

Congleton earned the right to defend their Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup trophy after a narrow victory over Mid-Cheshire Division One side Middlewich Town on Tuesday night. Although the scoreline suggests a close fought game, it was in fact a true ‘game of two halves’ and Middlewich could easily have put the game well beyond the Bears’ grasp with an outstanding first-half display that left the home side having to play their ‘get out of jail free’ card on several occasions.

Perhaps an explanation for the Bears inept first half show was the unfamiliarity of the line-up. Despite the names being familiar ones, the positions occupied by those names were not, as manager Anthony Buckle had to utilise the players available to him as best possible, with several players unable to play due to injury. Reserve team players Billy Webb and Matt Swann filled two of the three places on the bench alongside Darren Twigg.

The Bears struggled to deal with their opponents’ direct play throughout the game, with ex-Bear Stuart Tulloch the target for most of Middlewich’s long ball offensive. That tactic bore fruit as early as the third minute as Tulloch raced down the inside left channel, collected the ball and cut inside Andy Alston, who slipped at an inopportune moment. With just the advancing Wilkes to beat, Tulloch hit a powerful shot that was partially blocked by the Congleton keeper’s legs, but still found the net at the far post.

Two minutes later the visitors should have increased their lead. With the Congleton defence still reeling from the first goal, they were at sixes and sevens as Middlewich continued their line of attack. As the defence opened up a powerful shot cannoned back off the inside of the post and straight to Jones who hit the bar with his strike.

Congleton responded with an effort on 14 minutes from a free-kick that was curled well over and left everyone wondering why Matt Haddrell had not been given the ball from the set-play. Four minutes later John-Paul Jones hit a curling effort after a neat passing move that flew narrowly wide and raised gasps of frustration from the supporters behind the opponents’ goal.

The crossbar came to the Bears’ rescue again in the 22nd minute when some comical defending presented Tulloch with yet another chance on goal. Despite failing to take that opportunity, Tulloch made amends just a minute later as he was released behind the Congleton defence to rap home his second of the night.

The home side didn’t start to get a foothold in the game until the final 15 minutes of the first half, when they started to pass the ball around a bit more and were not so anxious to be as direct as their opponents. Even then, the Bears’ back line still looked very vulnerable to the ‘hoof and chase’ football employed against them. Andy Bostock foiled another opportunity for Tulloch as he recovered well to put in a sliding tackle to take the ball off the Middlewich strikers toes as he looked certain to complete his hat-trick.

On 37 minutes central defender Craig Stevens incurred the wrath of the referee for the first of what was to be many contentious challenges from the Middlewich No.6, as he brough down Jordan Johnson from behind as the Congleton midfielder looked to carry the ball into the opponents penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, Haddrell curled the ball over the wall and hit the crossbar with ‘keeper Whitehead left stranded.

Half-Time: Congleton Town 0 Middlewich Town 2

Jordan Johnson joined Stevens in the referee’s notebook early in the second half, after what seemed like an innocuous challenge for a 50/50 ball. The free-kick was in a potentially dangerous area and the Bears could not afford to concede again. The three-man wall did it’s job though as the strike failed to clear them and the ball was quickly cleared up-field.

It was now the Bears turn to pressure their opponents and Haddrell tried his luck from a central position, just outside the penalty box, with a shot that flew straight into Whitehead’s arms. The Bears followed that up by forcing a series of corners, none of which came to fruition with Alston guilty of mis-timing a shot from close range which bobbled wide of the post.

In the 58th minute Congleton conceded another free-kick in a dangerous position and when the ball was whipped into the box Graham Kay was unmarked as he made a run into the box and glanced a header across goal and narrowly wide of the post.

Another let-off for the Bears and one which they had to capitalise on quickly if they were to make any impression in the game. This they did through the Haddrell, Hurst combination that has served them so well so far this season. A corner after 61 minutes was floated deep to the 18 yard line where Haddrell was unmarked and headed goalwards. With Whitehead looking certain to get across in time, it fell to Hurst, who was running into the six-yard box from the opposing side to head the ball back across the keeper and into the net to give the home side some hope.

The ten minute spell after the Congleton goal saw them play their best football of the game. Haddrell could have evened things up just three minutes later as he turned on a ball played across the 18 yard line and scuffed his shot narrowly wide. Fortunately it didn’t take long for the Bears to get back on the score-sheet to level things up. Andy Hurst completed his brace, which once again came from a corner on the Bears’ left. The initial delivery was headed away where Johnson picked up the ball, brought the ball inside and put in an inswinging cross that Hurst met with an unstoppable header.

The players celebrated jubilantly with the fans behind the goal and perhaps it was lucky that the referee didn’t take any action. Capper had received a yellow card just prior to the Bears second goal and several late challenges probably left the referee thinking he’d need the space in his notebook for more serious offences, with Brandon being the first to prove him right just five minutes later.

Middlewich threw on Clarke in place of Warburton with a quarter-hour remaining and a minute later Kay became the fourth Middlewich player to be cautioned. Stevens on the other hand somehow got away with several mistimed challenges that went unpunished.

Having equalised, Congleton surprisingly took their foot off the gas a little and invited their opponents to take the game to them. Bryning replaced the tiring Tulloch and Congleton made their only substitution, bringing on Webb for Jones with five minutes remaining.

There was a controversial end to the game when in the final minute Capper charged down a ball played into the box and shouts for hand-ball came up from the supporters behind the goal. The referee was clearly unsighted on that occasion and awarded a corner. When the ball was played into the penalty area, the referee immediately blew his and indicated a penalty for Whitehead’s push on Hurst. The Middlewich ‘keeper picked up a caution for his prolonged protestations and when order was restored Matt Haddrell was given the responsibility for dispatching the penalty, which he did with aplomb.

The game restarted and after one minute the referee brought the game to an end. There were further scenes of protest from the obviously disappointed Middlewich players, but Capper incurred the wrath of the referee who sent the player off as the teams left the field.

The Bears now have an opportunity to retain their trophy against either Winsford United or Unibond Premier high-flyers Witton Albion, who, of course, they beat last year to claim the title.

Team: Wilkes, Harris, Williams, Bostock, Alston A (C), Woolley, Johnson, Hurst, Haddrell, JP Jones.
Subs: Webb, Swann, Twigg..

“COLLIEDOG”

Solitary strike gains Bears’ revenge!

Congleton Town 1 Squires Gate 0

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One Saturday 24 November 2007

Manager Anthony Buckle had to wait on three fitness tests in the morning before naming his starting line up for Saturday’s home tie against Squires Gate. Goalkeeper Adam Wilkes was declared fit to play, and full-back Adam Vickers insisted on playing despite nursing a broken toe. Jay Banawich the other full-back was not fit enough to play and so Scott Williams was named in his place, with Jordan Johnson switching wings to accommodate Paul Harris on the right.

The opponents, Squires Gate, had inflicted the Bears’ first defeat in the seasons opening game and wityh both sides sitting in the top half of the table, three points would be welcomed by either side to keep them in the promotion hunt.

The Bears went at their opponents from the starting whistle and produced some breathtaking football in the opening ten minutes. Neat passing and good movement, both on and off the ball, had the Squires Gate defence stretched and the chances came thick and fast. A corner gained from the first wave of attack came to nothing, but a minute later Andy Hurst and Matt Haddrell combined well to feed the ball across to Matt Woolley who hit a shot from 20 yards out that flew narrowly over the bar. Still inside the opening five minutes the Bears created another excellent opportunity and Jordan Johnson was next to try his luck from just inside the penalty box with his curling shot beaten away by goalkeeper Rogerson.

A quick break up-filed reminded the Congleton defence of their duties as Catlow was presented with a free header at the back post from a Hankin cross. Fortunately the Squires Gate captain got it all wrong and headed well wide.

It was then business as usual as the Bears swarmed all over their opponents. Johnson sent Hurst through with a well placed through-ball, but Rogerson was out quickly to block the Congleton strikers shot with his legs to concede a corner. A short corner was taken and Johnson whipped the ball over between goalkeeper and defenders and the ball evaded every with Andy Alston closest as he ran in at the back post.

A Congleton free-kick on 15 minutes, in a central position, 25 yards out, gave Haddrell his first opportunity to strike at goal. Although his strike was sweet enough there was just too much lift on the ball and it cleared the bar comfortably. That was followed six minutes later with another Bears’ chance froma short corner. Harris and Johnson combined well and when Harris put the cross over it was headed on and Hurst tried an athletic overhead kick from the edge of the six-yard box that flew narrowly over.

Inevitably the Bears’ tempo dropped and the opponents managed to get some time on the ball, forcing a number of corners and passing the ball around in front of the Congleton defence, which worked hard and held firm, with Wilkes rarely tested. Adam Vickers picked up a silly caution for being too vociferous when the referee awarded the opponents a free-kick out on the left touchline, but again the defence held firm and cleared the ball away.

The Bears picked their game up again in the closing ten minutes of the half, and forced two corners in quick succession, finally getting a shot in as Woolley once again tried his luck from long range, but shooting well wide. As the half came to a close there were half-shouts for a Congleton penalty as the ball broke free to Haddrell just inside the penalty area. He brought the ball inside and was just shaping to shoot when he was barged from behind and perhaps went to ground too easily for the referees liking. Some fans behind the goal thought it was a penalty, whilst others joked with the Congleton centre-forward about the dramatics of his dive.

Half-Time: Congleton Town 0 Squires Gate 0

The second half had a much more open start to it with both sides moving the ball around well and looking to create their opponents defence problems. It really was shaping up into a fascinating game, although the Bears would be rueing their inability to make the most of their early dominance in the first half.

An early Bears’ corner was whipped in and Hurst managed to prod the ball forward on the turn at the near post with the ball rolling agonisingly wide. At the other end a quick break allowed Catlow another sight of goal, but his shot was deflected and Wilkes recovered quickly enough to back-track and collect the ball on the line. The ball was fed forward quickly and Haddrell had his shot blocked before Nesbitt hit one from the edge of the area with the outside of his boot that flew narrowly wide of the post.

Congleton took the upper hand again for a ten minute spell when they had their opponents penned back in their own half, but try as they might the goal just wouldn’t come and already many Bears’ fans were starting to think that this wasn’t to be their day in front of goal, whilst hoping that the opponents wouldn’t sneak one in the latter stages.

Squires Gate made their first substitution after 53 minutes with the ineffective Bamba being replaced by Harvie. The change made little difference though and five minutes later the Bears had the ball in the back of the net. Harris controlled the ball and fed it through to Hurst, who shot on the turn. Rogerson could only beat the ball away and Scott Williams was on hand to slot the ball home, although the referee’s whistle had already gone as Harris was penalised for handling the ball in the build up.

Congleton had another half-chance soon after. Another well worked short corner between Harris and Johnson saw the ball whipped in aross the face of goal and Haddrell at the back post was caught out by the speed of the delivery and just couldn’t get to the ball in time to get the required touch. From the clearance Harvie broke free down the inside right position and the advancing Wilkes had to be at his very best to push the ball behind for a corner. Booth was then replaced by Muscroft.

Both sides traded free-kicks as the game entered the final quarter with Ryan launching one into the Bears’ penalty area and finally being guided wide for a goal-kick. Johnson was guilty of poor delivery with the Bears’ chance from out on the left as he over-hit the cross by some way. He almost made up for it on 71 minutes though as his delivery from a short corner glanced off the top of the cross bar before going out of play.

It just seemed like one of those days, and when Matt Woolley broke forward and had options, but chose to shoot horribly wide, and then a Jordan Johnson free-kick in a dangerous position was floated straight into the goalkeeper’s arms, Bears’ fans feared the worst would happen in the closing minutes. Instead however, it was the home side that broke the deadlock with six minutes remaining. Some good passing opened up an opportunity to get the ball into the box and when it was played across the face of goal, the ball was touch out by a defender straight into Johnson’s path. His first time shot evaded three defenders and slid underneath the ‘keeper to find the back of the net.

Johnson celebrated with the Bears’ faithful behind the goal and the visitors immediately brought off full-back Benfield for a third striker Howarth. It was all to no avail though as the Bears defended their lead by keeping the ball in their opponents half. Unfortunately in those closing minutes Haddrell picked up a silly yellow card that will see him suspended for the next league game. The referee’s whistle ended the game and those few people present had witness an epic encounter and some scintillating football.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Williams, Bostock, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Harris, Woolley, Haddrell, Hurst, Johnson.
Subs: JP Jones, Heeps, Webb, Twigg, Buckle.

“COLLIEDOG”

Hurst brace lifts battle-scarred Bears!

Congleton Town 3 Nelson 1

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One Saturday 17 November 2007

Congleton Town returned to league action on Saturday at Booth Street where Nelson were the visitors. Manager Anthony Buckle was forced into changing his back-line following the news that Scott Lycett had agreed a deal to take him to Halesowen Town, but only after they came back with an improved offer, and Andy Bostock was given the nod to replace him at centre-back.

Congleton supporters could have been forgiven for thinking they were seeing double as both sides took to the pitch wearing shirts with the Congleton Town badge on them. Nelson’s kitman apparently failing in his duty to bring along their shirts, the opponents were forced to borrow the Bears’ away shirts.

Prior to kick-off there was a presentation to winger Scott Williams to mark his 200th starting appearance in the Cheshire Senior Cup game against Cammell Laird.

The Bears started the game brightly and looked to take the game to their opponents. Matt Woolley had a fifth minute attempt fly just wide of the post after some good build up work and Hurst had laid the ball back to him on the edge of the penalty area. Nelson were not the whipping boys of the league this season though and were soon on the offensive forcing a series of corners that eventually led to their first shot on goal, Adam Wilkes getting down sharply to push the ball around the post.

With that particular scare behind them Congleton produced a breath-taking move to take the lead in the sixteenth minute. Breaking quickly a series of three passes saw the ball played across field from left to right where Jordan Johnson was able to get in behind his defender and put in a cross into the heart of the Nelson defence. Matt Haddrell rose highest and sent a thunderous header against the crossbar that dropped and bounced nicely for Andy Hurst to head home from the rebound.

A minute later Jay Banawich, supporting from the left-back position, fed the ball through to Matt Haddrell inside the Nelson penalty area, but the Bears leading scorer could only fire straight at Carrington in the opponents goal, who did well to hold on to the powerfully driven shot.

With the Bears seemingly in control of the game it came as quite a shock when within five minutes Nelson were back on level terms. Quite how O’Neils shot from 25 yards beat Bears’ keeper Wilkes is still to be determined, but as he set himself for the incoming shot there seemed plenty of time to make the stop, only to see the ball pass by his fingertips and inside the post.

Congleton sought an immediate riposte and were awarded a free-kick on the right edge of the penalty area. Jordan Johnson floated the ball in and Carrington had to be aware as the ball looked to be going straight in before he palmed it over the crossbar.

Carrington was also the centre of attention in the thirty-fifth minute when he and Haddrell both went up for a ball and the Congleton centre-forward was alleged to have fouled the Nelson keeper as he put the ball into the back of the net. After a theatrical wail of pain and a minute lay face down motionless on the pitch, a five second blast with the magic sponge soon brought the smile back to his face and the Congleton fans behind the goal had more than a little suspicion that the ‘keeper had conned the referee.

It was a rather disappointing end to the first half as the last ten minutes descended into a scrappy game and a bizarre refereeing decision nearly sent the visitors into the half-time break with the lead. Having awarded an advantage following a loose challenge, Barrett then blasted his attempted shot wide of goal, but the referee decided to call play back for the original foul. Fortunately for the Bears Nelson winger Posteraro blazed the free-kick over the crossbar and the two sides went into the interval level.

Half-Time: Congleton Town 1 Nelson 1

The second half started much in the same manner that the first had ended. What was more noticeable though was that the visitors had obviously been told to compete for every ball no matter how unlikely winning the ball was.

Morley was late in his challenge on Scott Williams as a promising move looked to have opened up the Nelson defence. That was the first in a series of poor tackles throughout the second half, nearly all of which went unpunished by the referee, who had earlier booked Andy Bostock for a ‘nothing’ challenge.

Nelson’s early tactics were throwing the Bears off their game and a long cross-field ball out to the left found Turner bearing down on goal with the Congleton defence in his wake. Wilkes advanced to narrow the angles, which was enough to put Turner off as he shot early and across the face of goal.

Then came the first of three rather ugly incidents that saw Congleton players unable to continue. A ball played in behind the Bears’ defensive line was easily claimed by Wilkes who slid out to smother the ball but was then caught by a late challenge by Lysons who claimed he’d attempted to play the ball. The referee accepted his version of events but Wilkes was left holding his knee and had to be helped from the field of play. Fortunately Congleton had Stuart Heeps, a former Bears’ goalkeeper, on the bench to replace the injured Wilkes.

Congleton’s response to losing Wilkes and to their opponents ‘strong’ tackling was made in the best possible fashion and three minutes later the Bears had restored their lead. Johnson and Haddrell combined well down the right and an interchange of passes saw Johnson fire in a cross that deflected back to him. His second attempt was right into the danger area between ‘keeper and defence and with Nesbitt running in strongly Nelson’s centre-back Wright was forced to try and clear but only succeeded in putting the ball into his own goal.

The points were effectively sealed just three minutes later as the Bears took a two-goal advantage through Hurst once more. Johnson was the provider and skipped past two defenders before sliding in before a third challenge and poking the ball through to Hurst. The Congleton striker coolly allowed the ball to run through to him before hitting his shot first time and leaving Carrington with no chance.

The visitors then stepped up their efforts to make the game as uncomfortable as possible for the hosts as another late challenge sent Adam Vickers reeling to the floor and yet another substitution was required to replace an injured player, with Paul Harris his replacement.

Nevertheless, Congleton were now clearly the better side and pressing for more goals. After eighty-two minutes a four pass move that started defending a Nelson corner gave Hurst the chance for his hat-trick. Haddrell sent the ball through into his path and with Carrington advancing off his line Hurst chipped the ball over him and narrowly over the bar.

There was still time though for one more Congleton player to limp off the pitch as Jay Banawich was on the wrong end of yet another forceful challenge that saw him unable to continue. Nathan Keeling was the replacement this time and Congleton were out of substitutes if there were to be any more injuries. Fortunately that was not the case and in the final minute Scott Williams almost sealed his 201st start with a goal, narrowly curling the ball wide of the near post as he cut inside from the left.

In the end it was a fine battling performance from the Bears and one that keeps them in the hunt for the promotion places and currently top of the home form table with five wins from the last six games.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Bostock, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Johnson, Woolley, Hurst, Haddrell, Williams.
Subs: Harris, Keeling, JP Jones, Twigg, Heeps.


Bears out of Cheshire Senior Cup

Congleton Town 1 Cammell Laird 2

Cheshire Senior Cup - Round One Tuesday 13 November 2007

Johnson

Team: Wilkes, Vikers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston (A), Nesbitt, Johnson, Bostock, Hurst, Haddrell, Williams
Subs Harris, Keeling, JP Jones, Webb, Heeps

League Cup woe for Bears!

Congleton Town 0 Maine Road 1

The Vodkat League Cup – Round One Saturday 10 November 2007

The Bears went into this year’s League Cup competition looking to emulate, or better, last year’s performance, which saw them reach the semi-finals. However they had to consider themselves a little unfortunate to have drawn such high class opposition so early on. Congleton had beaten their opponents once already this season at the County Ground, in a tough encounter that the Bears edged by one goal in three. Since then, Maine Road had put together a string of creditable performances that had seen them leapfrog Congleton in the league standings.

Manager Anthony Buckle was forced to make changes to his starting line up with Jordan Johnson unavailable and Nathan Keeling was given the nod to start on the right side of midfield. Returning to the squad after a period of time out was John-Paul Jones who was named on the bench with Paul Harris, Andy Bostock and Stuart Heeps.

The Bears started the game brightly enough and took an early grip of the game. Matt Haddrell tried his luck as early as the first minute, shooting from just outside the penalty box. There wasn’t that much in the shot but it bounced awkwardly in front of Greg Hall, the Maine Road ‘keeper, who made a bit of a pig’s ear of it and had to bundle the ball behind for a corner.

Seven minutes into the game, Congleton won a throw-in deep inside their opponents half. There was a good interchange of passes before Adam Vickers, supporting on the right, was afforded space to deliver a dangerous looking cross into the box. Andy Hurst was running in, but just couldn’t get there quickly enough to get anything onto the ball.

It wasn’t all one way traffic though and Danny Self evaded Jay Banawich on the visitor’s right before firing in a low cross that Scott Lycett had to dive to, to head away, with both Beckford and Mack queuing up behind him.

It was a good competitive first half and both sides looked very evenly matched, with Congleton perhaps shading it by virtue of having exerted the majority of the pressure on their opponents. There were a few signs of frustration though and Cheetham and Vickers both found their way into the referee’s notebook for a minor altercation midway through the half.

The final quarter hour of the half found Congleton almost camped out in their opponents half, prodding and probing. Some of the passing and movement was a joy to watch, but the Maine Road defence stood firm and seemed capable of causing the Bears’ defence problems on the break. One such break allowed former Bear Chris Smith to turn on his marker and fire towards the near post, but Wilkes was equal to it to make it a comfortable save in the end.

One of the defining moments of the game came on the stroke of half-time, when Keeling and Haddrell combined well to release Hurst, in behind the visitor’s defence, with just Hall to beat. The Congleton front-man opted for power over precision this week and beat Hall easily, but with the ball still rising it cleared the crossbar too.

Half-Time: Congleton Town 0 Maine Road 0

Once again the Bears would have been disappointed not to have taken one of their many first half chances, but emerged in the second half with renewed purpose. Almost immediately from the restart Congleton moved the ball swiftly from left to right and Keeling put in another dangerous looking cross that McGee headed away ahead of the advancing Haddrell. Three minutes later Keeling pickedup th e ball wide on the right again after more neat passing from the home side. Keeling’s cross into Hurst looked as though it might be the key to unlocking the Maine Road defence, but unfortunately Hurst’s first touch took the ball away from goal and Mason recovered quickly to clear any danger.

On 51 minutes, Greg Hall showed why he is highly regarded in this league as he pulled out a fantastic save to prevent Matt Woolley from giving the Bears the lead. The neat passing play that lead to the chance was warmly appreciated by the watching supporters and when the ball broke to Woolley, in a central position on the edge of the penalty area, his deft chip looked to have Hall in trouble as he back-pedalled furiously to get up in time to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Woolley’s lack of first team football following an injury began to show though and Paul Harris was introduced to try to mix things up in midfield a bit more. Play continued as normal though and the opening twenty-five minutes of the second-half was all about when, and not if, the Bears would take the lead.

Maine Road’s first sight on goal in the second half came on 65 minutes when a through-ball had Wilkes scrambling out to smother the ball, just ahead of a two footed lunge for the ball which should have seen the offending attacker sent for an early bath.

Congleton were just missing that little bit of luck in front of goal though and even the introduction of JP Jones as an additional attacking player couldn’t change their fortunes in that regard. With jut over ten minutes of the game remaining it seemed inevitable that the game would remain scoreless and extra-time loomed large.

Such is the Bears’ luck in Cup competition this season though, it came as no real surprise when a dubious free-kick decision awarded to the visitors led to the vital winning goal. Banawich looked to have taken the ball well before the man in clearing the ball behind for a corner, but the referee decided a foul had been committed and a free-kick was awarded just outside the penalty area, near the dead-ball line on the right. When the ball was floated in, Chappell got the right side of his marker and met the ball at the near post with a downward header that gave Wilkes no chance.

Try as they might, there seemed no way back into the game for the Bears and Maine Road missed a glorious opportunity to double their lead when Chris Smith angled the ball narrowly wide of the post late on in the game. Then, in the last minute of the game JP Jones collected the ball on the edge f the six yard box and fired in a hook shot over his shoulder that was heading for the top corner at the near post. Somehow Hall reacted quickly enough to push the ball away though and the Bears fate was sealed.

The referee’s final whistle meant that there would be no repeat of last year’s heroics in this competition and the Bears interests on the cup trail now lie with the Cheshire Senior Cup and the defence of their Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup trophy. Results will have to start favouring the balance of play if they are to repeat last season’s trophy winning feat.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Keeling, Woolley, Hurst, Haddrell, Williams.
Subs: Bostock, Harris, JP Jones, Heeps.

“COLLIEDOG”

Bears rue missed chances!

Flixton 3 Congleton Town 2

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One : Saturday 3 November 2007

Congleton’s promotion chase was dealt a severe blow on Saturday when they travelled to fifth place Flixton and lost out by the odd goal in five, in a game that they know they could, and perhaps more importantly should, have won on the overall balance of play.

Prior to the game a few eyebrows were raised by the travelling supporters as Manager Anthony Buckle, chose Andy Bostock ahead of last week’s hero Scott Williams, to play on the left side of midfield. Nevertheless it was a strong line up, with Captain Andy Alston passing a late fitness test and Matt Woolley regaining his centre-midfield position at the expense of the injured Paul Harris.

Congleton started brightly with Matt Haddrell firing in an early shot that flew well wide of the post from some twenty-five yards out and then moments later Jordan Johnson whipped in a cross from the right that Andy Hurst met with his head, but he too could only guide the ball wide of the post, albeit narrowly this time.

That encouraging start all counted for nothing though as the Bears then fell behind to a typical sucker-punch, counter-attacking move from the home side. The ball was moved forward quickly with Flixton breaking forward in numbers and Tobin exploited the space down the right, as he picked up the ball and fired in a low cross that Downey raced on to, to side-foot past the advancing Wilkes with the Congleton defence caught napping.

It was a goal against the general run of play and there was no immediate need to panic. For the remainder of the first-half Congleton dominated the play. Wave after wave of attacking football created a series of chances for the Bears to draw level, but no-one could find the net.

On 13 minutes, Johnson picked up the ball on the right edge of the penalty box, danced his way past two defenders and then drilled his shot across the face of goal with Hurst sliding in at the back post, but unable to get the final touch required to force the ball home.

Congleton’s clearest opportunity came just five minutes later when a neat passing move allowed Haddrell to play the ball behind the Flixton defence for Hurst to run on to, with only Rouse in the Flixton goal to beat. Perhaps wary of his one-on-one miss last week, Hurst measured his shot this time and placed it wide of the ‘keeper, only to watch in dismay as the ball also flew wide of the post.

Haddrell squandered two half-chances in the 21st and 28th minutes, heading wide under pressure on the first occasion and then hitting a dipping half-volley from the edge of the penalty area that also flew narrowly wide. However, it was Nesbitt who had the next best chance to score on 33 minutes, when the ball broke nicely for him inside the penalty area and Flixton Captain Baylis produced an excellent sliding block, as Nesbitt pulled the trigger, to prevent the Bears from drawing level.

As if to torment the Bears even further, captain Alston took a jarring knock to his knee with ten minutes of the first-half remaining and immediately had to be replaced by Scott Williams, with Bostock then forced to cover as a makeshift centre-back. The Bears continued to dominate play up to the interval without creating much, and the home side took their slender lead into the break.

Half-Time: Flixton 1 Congleton Town 0

Bears’ fans, despite trailing, were happy enough with the team’s performance and most thought that it was only a matter of time before the equaliser came and perhaps then the team could go on to take the game with something to spare.

It was not to be though and Flixton came out for the second-half with renewed vigour, their confidence no doubt boosted by the Bears seeming inability to find a shot on target to trouble Rouse. Indeed it was Flixton who extended their lead shortly after the restart. The Bears lost possession in their own midfield area and the ball was moved quickly out to the right where Moores force a one-handed save out of Wilkes, but Downey was once again following in to mop up any pieces and found himself with an empty goal to blast the ball into.

Congleton hit straight back though and for once found a shot on target to get back within one. A long, raking ball across to Williams on the left was controlled by the Bears’ winger and crossed into the danger zone where Flixton centre-back Vernon was strong enough to get in ahead of Haddrell to head the ball away. Nesbitt picked up the pieces and drilled the ball goal-ward where Hurst was on hand on the edge of the six yard box to collect the ball, turn his marker and slide the ball underneath Rouse.

Congleton were lucky to survive a goalmouth scramble moments later, but eventually cleared the ball downfield. On 52 minutes, Johnson once again picked up the ball down the right and having beaten his marker he drilled in a powerful cross across the face of goal, but no-one was able to reach the ball such was the strength of the cross.

Flixton brought on Monteith and Hall and Tobin picked up yellow cards, the former for four separate incidences of dissent and the latter for a cynical challenge on Johnson, that might have been worthy of a straight red. The home side then extended their lead once more in the 61st minute, Congleton being caught out by a speedy counter-attack down the Flixton right once more. Tobin carried the ball into the Bears penalty area, drawing Wilkes out to narrow the angles, before pulling the ball back into the path of leading scorer Moore, who had a simple tap in from a central position.

Keeling replaced Banawich mid-way through the second-half and Scott Lycett missed an excellent opportunity following a free-kick, skewing the ball wide of the post when it broke to him around the penalty spot. Congleton looked to have lost their shape and resorted to playing long balls aimed into Haddrell, which didn’t really work for them. Suddenly though, the ball was on the floor, there were four simple passes and Haddrell found himself in on goal, taking the ball around Rouse and slotting home from a narrow angle to give the Bears renewed hope.

That hope was further boosted when Deegan was dismissed for a late, dangerous foul with ten minutes remaining. Downey also picked up a booking as Flixton resorted to any means necessary to keep the Bears at bay and their spoiling tactics, coupled with sensible time wasting play when in possession meant that the Bears struggled to create any meaningful chances. Twigg was introduced in the final minute of regulation time, but when he couldn’t prevent a ball played down the inside right channel from crossing the dead-ball line all hope of a last minute equaliser was extinguished and the referee brought proceedings to a close, much to Flixton’s relief and the Bear’s dismay.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Johnson, Woolley, Hurst, Haddrell, Bostock.
Subs: Williams, Keeling, Twigg, Buckle.

“COLLIEDOG”

Results go their way as Bears win ugly!

Congleton Town 1 Atherton L.R. 0

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One Saturday 27 October 2007

Atherton Laburnum Rovers were the visitors to Booth Street on Saturday for a game which was important to both sides. Congleton were looking for a third consecutive league win to keep them in contention at the top and keep the pressure on the teams above them. Atherton on the other hand were seeking to haul themselves away from the three teams below them and give themselves a bit of breathing space, having gone down 1-2 most recently to league leaders Salford City.

On the team front, there were just two changes to the Congleton side that beat Bacup last week. Adam Vickers was restored at right-back and Scott Williams returned to the starting line up on the left wing, with Andy Bostock dropping to the bench.

In the opening five minutes Congleton moved the ball around quickly and forced an early corner after a neat flick on from Matt Haddrell. A second corner resulted from Town’s first effort and Haddrell misjudged his headed attempt when the ball was deflected high into the sky and dropped to him at the back post. Unable to get his head behind the ball, he sent a looping header well over the crossbar.

Town had their first scare a few moments later though, as a long goal-kick deceived Alston and dropped to Arnold, who guided the ball over Wilkes but over the crossbar too. The Bears continued to play neat, passing football throughout the first half, and on several occasions it was just the run of the ball, or a slight deflection, that prevented them from creating more chances in front of the Atherton goal. At the other end, there was less product but a bit better quality and Arnold once again failed to hit the target from a pin-point cross from the right; steering the ball wide with a glancing header that had Wilkes beaten.

Hurst’s first opportunity came as he raced down the inside right channel onto Haddrell’s through-ball. Electing to shoot early, he dragged his shot across the goalkeeper and narrowly wide of the far post. With chances for either side at a premium, it wasn’t long before the first long range effort came in. Wilkes got a good hand to ball played in from a corner, and pushed the ball clear where Callaghan was on hand to drive the ball over the bar from 20yards out.

On 27 minutes, Town were awarded a free-kick alongside the Atherton penalty area after Scott Williams’ progress had been impeded by Hughes. Johnson whipped the ball into the box and Hurst glanced on a header that took the ball away from Williams and beyond the post.

The breakthrough looked to have come just a minute later when Hurst was played in, behind the Atherton defence, to go one-on-one with Atherton goalkeeper Clare. As the ‘keeper advanced to the corner of his penalty area, Hurst looked uncertain of his best option and finally delayed too long before firing his shot directly at Clare. The Bears nearly paid the ultimate price for their inaccuracy in front of goal when Arnold and Quirk combined well along the dead-ball line to work a shooting opportunity from an acute angle, that Wilkes was glad to see hit the side netting.

Scott Lycett was then called into action, on 38 minutes, to make an important sliding tackle to prevent Callaghan getting in a shot on goal as the ball looked to have broken nicely for him inside the box. Both sides then played out the remaining minutes of the half looking to maintain the status quo, and give themselves the opportunity to go again in the second half.

Half-Time: Congleton Town 0 Atherton L.R. 0

The second half was an altogether different affair, with chances aplenty at both ends of the pitch. In the opening minutes, both sides traded free-kicks from dangerous positions with neither side taking advantage. On 51 minutes, Haddrell released Hurst down the centre and as the two central defenders closed in, Hurst checked his run and then tried a cleverly placed shot inbetween them that Clare was alert to, making the diving save to his left look easy as he collected the ball with both hands.

Clare was in action again seven minutes later, as a long goal-kick from Wilkes was taken down smartly by Haddrell and his first time shot stung the Atherton keeper’s hands as he got down to his right to push the ball away. Mannion had a rush of blood a minute later and played a ball directly into Haddrell’s path on the edge of the penalty area and the Bears’ fans were agonised as his first time shot curled just over the crossbar, with Clare well beaten.

A frantic fifteen minute spelt ensued as Atherton started to find space down the right to exploit and Banawich was being kept busy without the added protection that Bostock had afforded him in recent games. That said, Williams was a much more potent attacking threat down the left and he put several crosses into the Atherton box that were just begging for someone to get onto the end of.

Matt Woolley replaced Paul Harris after 60 minutes and Mannion picked up the first caution of the game after taking three scything kicks at Johnson before finally connecting with the fourth, as the Congleton midfielder looked to bring the ball forward. From the resulting free-kick Haddrell was once again narrowly off target, beating the wall and the crossbar too.

Mannion was lucky to avoid further disciplinary action as he took another bite at Johnson on the edge of the penalty area just a minute later. This time however, Johnson avoided going down, and his momentum carried him into the box with just Clare to beat. One glance up and he curled his shot wide of Clare’s despairing dive but also wide of the post, which left him head in hands in despair.

Atherton broke quickly down their right and Wilkes was called into action to push a near-post shot behind for a corner. When the ball was played in to the near post it took a deflection off the shoulder of a Congleton player and had to be cleared off the line. It was a narrow escape for the Bears, but almost immediately the ball was down the other end of the field and Hurst laid Williams’ ball into the path of Nesbitt, who shot well over from 18 yards out.

The deadlock was finally broken on 70 minutes and as is always the case in these tight games it was a moment of individual brilliance that made all the difference. Williams was found running the inside left channel and Hughes made the fatal error of backing off as Williams looked to bring the ball inside. That extra space was all Williams was looking for and he fired an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box that flew wide of Clare and nestled inside the far post to send both players and fans alike into delirium.

Much of the fight disappeared from the Atherton team after the goal. Former Bear Chris Bermingham was introduced as a replacement for Callaghan and his first contribution was to pick up a yellow card for a clumsy tackle on Johnson. A couple of half chances went begging as Banawich was exposed at the back on too many occasions. However, the Bears defensive line stood firm and even a late knock to captain Alston, who limped off the field to be replaced by Keeling, and the resulting re-jigging of the Bears’ formation couldn’t deny them a third consecutive clean sheet.

Bostock replaced Williams in the last five minutes to provide that extra protection that effectively put paid to the Atherton attack and Woolley was unlucky in the final minute of the game not to further extend the Bears’ lead. His shot from 20 yards out took a nasty deflection off Hope that sent Clare the wrong way and the ball ran narrowly wide of the post.

The referee brought the game to an end and there were scenes of jubilation on the pitch at having won a difficult game against spirited opponents. That jubilation was mirrored off the pitch later on as results from other grounds went the Bears’ way with Salford, Maine Road and Atherton Collieries all losing and Newcastle and Trafford both being held to draws.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Harris, Johnson, Hurst, Haddrell, Williams.
Subs: Bostock, Woolley, Keeling, Twigg.

“COLLIEDOG”

Bacup Borough 0 Congleton Town 3

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One Saturday 20 October 2007

Congleton Town travelled to Bacup Borough on Saturday in weather conditions that were just about perfect for football. It was a far cry from the same trip last season where a midweek night game was spoiled by atrocious wind conditions, coupled with driving rain. The weather had summed up the Bears’ performance perfectly that night and the team were hoping that the fair weather would see a change in their fortunes at West View.

Adam Vickers was suspended having picked up another booking in the game against Runcorn last week, which meant that Paul Harris was moved from midfield to cover, Jordan Johnson stepped out to the right-wing and Matt Woolley was restored to the team in central midfield. Scott Williams had to settle for a place on the bench again with Andy Bostock retaining his place out on the left.

The Bears got off to a magical start and threatened to swamp their opponents with some quick, neat passing play that had the Bacup defence reeling. Two minutes into the game a poor defensive error nearly allowed Matt Haddrell to get in a strike on goal, but Bacup ‘keeper Paul Horridge was out quickly to clear the ball from the edge of the penalty box.

His relief was short-lived though and after a quick break by Bacup, where Scott Lycett had to throw himself in front of a Tony Carroll shot to protect the exposed Adam Wilkes in the Congleton goal, the Bears brought the ball up-field and forced a corner that led to their opening goal.

Matt Haddrell, who seconds earlier had stung the hands of the Bacup ‘keeper with a powerfully driven shot, was not to be denied and when the resulting corner was floated into the centre of the penalty area, he made a determined leap to get above the defender and head the ball home from just outside the 6 yard box and give the Bears the lead in the fourth minute.

Congleton’s travelling fans could be excused for thinking that the Bears would go on and dominate the game having taken the lead, but for some reason they allowed Bacup into the game and were a little fortunate on a couple of occasions to remain in front. Within four minutes of the opening goal Carroll curled in a shot that flew narrowly wide of Wilkes’ left-hand post, with the Congleton ‘keeper at full stretch. Moments later David Luker appeared unmarked at the near post from a corner but headed wide.

The game became a rather scrappy affair for the remainder of the first half with both sides creating a few half-chances, but nothing really clear-cut. On balance Congleton perhaps looked the more dangerous going forward and Matt Haddrell saw his goal-bound header from an Andy Bostock cross deflect off a defender and over the bar. Jordan Johnson also had an opportunity after 27 minutes, when he shot directly at the ‘keeper, who spilled the ball but gathered at the second attempt.

Earlier in the half, Matt Haddrell had received an elbow to the face from Lee Anderson inside the penalty area, which had gone unseen and unpunished, but Haddrell’s retribution was not so subtle and he picked up a yellow card for sliding through his opponent in a challenge. Anderson had the last laugh though, falling as if pole-axed to the floor when under pressure from Andy Hurst, which also resulted in a booking for the Congleton striker.

In one final dramatic moment at the end of the first half, Adam Wilkes once again played hero when the Bears had failed to clear their lines and a deep cross came in from the right. Luker got his head to the ball producing a looping header that looked goal-bound until Wilkes got up to tip the ball over the bar, falling backwards into his own net and colliding with the perimeter wall for his trouble. Fortunately, what could have been a nasty head injury turned out to be much less serious and Wilkes was able to continue after receiving some treatment.

Half-Time: Bacup Borough 0 Congleton Town 1

Rumour has it that there were some strong words exchanged in the home side dressing room at half-time. Mark Fitton, who had been replaced by John Borg late in the first half, was joined by John Luker, replaced by Bryan Herbert at half-time, as Manager Brent Peters looked to get some shape and structured play out of his team. Neither player was to be seen again after the half-time interval.

This all boded well for the Bears as they took to the field for the second half and within two minutes of the restart they fashioned a great scoring opportunity that Haddrell rather wasted, electing to fire across goal when Johnson was free and in a better position to take the strike on. The Bears movement and passing was a pleasure to watch, but just in the final third, their build-up play seemed to go awry.

Bacup had an excellent opportunity to level the scores after 56 minutes with a ball played over the top and Wilkes slipped as he came out to narrow the angles. The defence was alert though and recovered sufficiently quickly to get across and clear the ball as Shepherd looked set to pull the trigger.

Having just denied their opponents the opportunity to level, the Bears then effectively put the result beyond doubt by further extending their lead in their very next attacking play. Although a goal of individual skill, there was some great teamwork in the initial build up and when Johnson picked up the ball in a central position, danced his way into the penalty area past three defenders, pushed the ball out to the left and then fired the ball back across the ‘keeper and in off the post, it seemed no less than they had deserved.

As in the first half, the Bears went to sleep for a minute or two after the goal and, but for the alertness and agility of Wilkes, Bacup could have immediately pulled one back. Herbert beat Harris for pace to a long ball and fired towards the near post, Wilkes getting down quickly to block his shot. Williams replaced Bostock after 65 minutes and both sides had half-chances to score, Luker heading straight into Wilkes’ arms and Haddrell guiding one wide of the post at the other end.

The final touches were applied to another sterling Bears’ performance with another great passing play. Once again, the quick passing and movement in the build-up play stretched the home sides’ defence and when the ball was driven goal-wards by Johnson, Andy Hurst got the slightest of touches onto the ball which guided it, via the tips of Horridges’ fingers, onto the inside of the post and into the net.

The margin of the lead afforded manager Anthony Buckle the luxury of taking off Hurst and bringing on Nathan Keeling immediately after the goal and moments later Darren Twigg replaced Andy Alston, with Haddrell moving into the back four and Johnson put into a forward position. Irrespective of these changes though, Congleton remained in total control of the game and were playing periods of ‘shooting-in’ with Johnson pulling the trigger whenever he saw sight of goal. There were bookings for Borg and Greenwood, who was a late replacement for Barker, but that was all that Bacup could take away from the game when the referee blew the final whistle.

Team: Wilkes, Harris, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Johnson, Woolley, Hurst, Haddrell, Bostock.
Substitutes: Keeling, Williams, Twigg, Buckle.

“COLLIEDOG”

Classy Bears outshine opponents.

Runcorn Linnets 0 Congleton Town 1

The Vodkat North West Counties League Division One Saturday 13 October 2007

Not for the first time, the Bears’ now seemingly regular visit to Wincham Park brought out the very best in the team. In the reverse fixture at Booth Street early in the season, Runcorn had threatened to overrun the Bears at one stage, but a spirited second half fight-back had seen the spoils shared. Certainly it would be a stern test for the back-four, who recently had put in much better performances to concede just one goal in the last two games and would be a measure of the teams’ more recent progress in all areas on the pitch.

The home side came out all guns blazing in the opening five minutes, with an early cross coming in from the left into the danger area between the goalkeeper and the line held by the back-four. Only Roberts attacked the ball with any conviction but only managed to produce a weak header that Wilkes dealt with easily. That incident was followed by another quick attack down the left and Scott fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

Having survived that early onslaught, Congleton settled into the game and started to pass the ball around with some authority; keeping possession and not being rushed in their build-up play. That took the home side by surprise and the Bears forced two quick corners, before Haddrell had the first opportunity to open the scoring after 13 minutes. A neat passing move involving Johnson, Harris and Vickers ended with Hurst laying Vickers’ lofted pass back into the path of the Bears’ leading marksman, in a central position some twenty yards out. His first time shot was skewed well wide though, but even Haddrell himself managed a wry smile at his inaccuracy.

More neat passing play opened the door for Hurst five minutes later and again Harris provided the cross from the right; Hurst getting in front of his defender, but only managing to steer the ball wide of the target.

There was controversy in the 24th minute, when Johnson picked up the ball just inside the Runcorn penalty area, skipped inside his marker and was looking to turn a second when he was blatantly hauled to the floor. Only the referee knows why a penalty was not awarded, but Runcorn were allowed to clear the ball and any claims were waved away.

Congleton continued to have the better of the play up until the half-hour and at times were giving their opponents a football lesson. The only thing missing, courtesy of the referee, and a few wasted dead-ball opportunities, was a goal to show for it. Runcorn came back into the game for the last fifteen minutes, during which Scott Lycett picked up a booking, but the game remained goal-less at half-time.

Half-Time: Runcorn Linnets 0 Congleton Town 0

The opening five minutes of the second half mirrored the first, with the home side looking to catch the Bears out with some direct play. Straight from the restart, Wilkes had to be alert to collect a near-post shot at the second attempt. On 48 minutes, Young appeared unmarked at the back-post to a deep cross from the right, but could only direct his header wide of the post. Adam Vickers then picked up a booking for a late tackle.

Jordan Johnson was clipped as he made a run through the Linnets defence and Matt Haddrell was on target with a curling shot over the wall from 25 yards, but Holcroft in the Rucorn goal had the angle covered and collected easily.

On 58 minutes, Congleton made their first substitution with Scott Williams, returning from suspension, replacing Andy Bostock on the left wing. It was a substitution that was to bring immediate reward as the Bears’ left-wing maestro took just two minutes to get in the telling cross that led to the first goal. Some of the credit has to also go to Paul Harris, who made a dummy run into the box and took a hefty challenge that allowed the ball to run through to Matt Haddrell. He turned on the edge of the box, and curled the ball wide of Holcroft’s despairing dive to find the back of the net and give the Bears the lead.

Runcorn made their first change shortly after with the usually influential Molloy replacing Loughlin, but even he could not prevent Congleton from taking control of the game from that point on. There was plenty of variety in the Bears’ attacking play, mixing up short passing and good movement with the occasional long-ball behind the Linnets defence, to keep them on the back foot.

Keeling replaced Harris after 75 minutes and such was the visiting sides’ dominance, manager Anthony Buckle felt comfortable in resting Haddrell for the last ten minutes, bringing on Woolley to further bolster the midfield. Hurst was released on the right and Williams was denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by a superb last minute challenge from Standley at the back-post

Perhaps surprisingly, considering the pressure they had been under and the number of tackles flying in, Runcorn didn’t pick up their first booking until the 84th minute with Roberts being the offender when the referee finally saw fit to punish a late challenge.

The home side had a half-chance late on in the game, but Thompson fired well over from the edge of the box in what was probably the home sides’ fourth or fifth attempt on goal. A single goal is always a precarious lead though and the Bears were relieved to hear the final whistle that secured the three points and pushed them into the top six in the league.

“I’ve liked what I’ve seen over the last four games,” said Buckle after the game. “After some player changes, they’re starting to gel now and we’re looking good. We just need a run of results now to put us right back up there and we’re capable of doing that. On recent performances we shouldn’t be scared of any side in this league. I will take this squad through the next ten games and then look at things again if needs be. But these are good lads and they know what I expect from them and they all want to right up there too.”

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Harris, Johnson, Hurst, Haddrell, Bostock.
Subs: Twigg, Keeling, Williams, Woolley.

Excellent performance by Bears, but it’s honours even!

Silsden 1 Congleton Town 1

The Vodkat North West Counties Football League Division One Saturday 6 October 2007

The Bears followed up their midweek win in the Cheshire Senior Cup with one of their best league performances of the season against a Silsden side who themselves were buoyed by back-to-back 1-0 victories away from home. However, despite taking the game to their opponents for most of the ninety minutes, the Bears had to settle for a single point largely down to a pitch that bore witness to its primary purpose as home to the Rugby league side Keighley Cougars.

In the opening minutes Congleton adopted the best strategy for the conditions, which was mainly route one and shoot on sight. Any ball bouncing in front of the ‘keeper would be a testy one and Matt Haddrell was keen to try his luck from just about anywhere. Unfortunately for him, the surface was as disappointing from shooting range and three awful bobbles were responsible for three shots that threatened the corner flags more than the opponents’ goal.

Silsden’s first opportunity came in the eighth minute when following a clearance from a corner Rhodes hooked the ball over his shoulder and found Bentham running the inside left channel. His rasping shot stung the hands of Bears’ ‘keeper Wilkes, but the Congleton stopper made a fine save to push the ball around the post.

There was plenty of action at both ends, with Harris wasting an excellent opportunity on 17 minutes, choosing not to take the first opportunity to take a shot and losing possession allowing a quick break up-field which allowed Moriarty to go through on goal down the right, but ultimately fire a weak shot into Wilkes’ arms from 12 yards out. A minute later, at the other end, Foulger denied Haddrell with a fine diving save to his left to push away the Congleton centre-forward’s goal-bound header from a Harris cross.

The main failure of the Bears to capitalise on the pressure they were exerting on the Silsden defence in the first half, stemmed from their inability to deliver quality ball from set pieces. How much of that was attributable to the pitch condition is arguable, but in the end, that was probably the difference between a draw and a victory.

Midway through the half, Silsden started to get a foothold in the game and upped the tempo of their play, which put the Bears on the back foot for a while. On the half-hour the Congleton defence had to stand firm as a number of consecutive corners rained in from both sides, with Wilkes eventually collecting the ball at his near post from a weak header.

On the half-hour, a free-kick, left of centre, some twenty-two yards out looked promising for the Bears as Haddrell stepped up to take it. Uncharacteristically he failed to beat the wall, but the ball rebounded out to Johnson in a central position, and he fired narrowly over from the edge of the 18-yard box. Moments later Haddrell played a ball over the top to Hurst but Bentham put in a fine last ditch tackle to prevent the Congleton striker getting in a shot on goal. Haddrell then set up Johnson once again, but again the ball was skewed well wide.

Hurst continued to pick up on a number of half chances, but too often looked for the outlet ball rather than have an attempt on goal himself, which further contributed to the deadlock between the two sides at half-time.

Half-Time: Silsden 0 Congleton Town 0

The Bears should have been kicking themselves for not taking advantage of having had the better of the first-half play. The second-half appeared to be starting in the same vein too, as Hurst got on the end of a Harris free-kick only to loop his header over the crossbar.

Silsden showed that they were still in the game and capable of causing the Bears’ defence problems. After a procession of territorial throw-ins down the right wing, the ball finally broke to Bennett who fired in a cross across the face of goal. Fortunately there was no Silsden player on hand to take advantage of the momentary panic in the defensive line.

The home side did take the lead though after 56 minutes. Having just had a penalty claim waved away moments earlier; they won a free-kick out of the left after Vickers had made a clumsy tackle on Thompson as Silsden looked to build from midfield once again. From the free-kick the ball was floated into the penalty area and the big centre-back Airey stole in between the Bears’ central pair to guide a free-header past Wilkes from 10 yards.

Hurst narrowly failed to get onto a low cross at the back post as Congleton looked for an immediate response to the goal. Haddrell then looped a headed attempt over the bar as he stretched to reach Johnson’s cross, with Foulger going mad with his defence at the amount of ball that was being allowed to be played into the penalty area.

On 65 minutes, Nesbitt was brought down as he tried to break into the penalty area and a free-kick was awarded. Foulger busied himself organising the wall, but Congleton called for the quick free-kick that the referee allowed. A quick ball into the box was played across goal by Harris. Hurst was unable to get there in time, but the ball ran through to Haddrell, who reacted just quickly enough to beat the advancing Foulger to stab the ball home.

A goal was no less than the Bears had deserved and they nearly made it a second just a few moments later as Harris once again found himself in space and put in a dangerous ball across goal. Hurst was the intended target once more but even his speed couldn’t get him to the ball quickly enough and it ran out of play at the far post.

Keeling was brought on to replace the excellent Harris, who had worked tirelessly for 68 minutes. Congleton were starting to look a stylish outfit once more and only one team looked as though they might go on and win the game. Applebee replaced Moriarty for the home side after 73 minutes and Haddrell failed to make the most of a wonderful takedown as he blasted his first-time shot wide of goal.

In the final fifteen remaining minutes, Silsden resorted to a long ball game and Congleton were nearly caught out when King chased a long ball and hooked it back across the face of goal with Wilkes struggling for position. Once again there was no-one to follow up and the chance went begging. A double substitution was Sisden’s last throw of the dice with Holden and Stuart coming on for strike duo Simpson and Thompson.

Neither side would make that all important breakthrough though. Keeling had the best effort during the final ten minutes of the game, hitting a rasping drive from the right edge of the penalty area and watching in dismay as it cannoned of the near post with Foulger beaten. Roberts picked up a yellow card in the final minute of the game and three minutes of added on time would not separate the two sides.

Coach Andy Ratcliffe believed that the team had done more than enough to win, especially in the first half and rued a number of missed chances early in the game. However, he and the management team were pleased that the team showed character after falling a goal behind and happy to have taken a point from a game in which they had been easily beaten last season.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Harris, Johnson, Hurst, Haddrell, Bostock.
Subs: Twigg, Buckle, Keeling.
“COLLIEDOG”

Cheadle Town 1 Congleton Town 4

Cheshire County FA Unibond Senior Cup – First Round wednseday 3 October 2007

The Bears put their recent cup competition woes behind them to progress to the second round of the Cheshire Senior Cup, by beating Cheadle Town of the NWCFL second division at Park Road on Wednesday night.

Not for the first time though this season, it took the Bears a long while to get into their stride. For long periods of the first half they were conspicuous by their absence and their performance brought back memories of last seasons’ Jekyll and Hyde displays. Once they did get into their stride though, there was only ever going to be one winner.

It all started off brightly enough for the visitors, as first Andy Hurst and then Matt Haddrell were given early sights on goal, but with neither striker able to test the goalkeeper. In comparison, Cheadle had offered little in the first ten minutes of the game only to take the lead in the eleventh. Winger Hussain picked the ball up on the right and was allowed to bring it infield across the Bears’ back line. As soon as he saw daylight in front of goal he tried his luck from 20 yards out and hit a high, dipping shot that cleared Wilkes’ outstretched hand and dropped under the crossbar.

It was all so familiar, and once behind there was an element of haste in everything the Bears tried; which only led to mistakes and an inability to keep possession or move the ball around. It wasn’t until the half-hour then that Congleton created anything of any real note. A free-kick midway inside the Cheadle half, out on the right, was delivered deep inside the penalty area where Haddrell rose above everyone to head the ball back across goal. The ball was easily cleared though as no Town player had followed up to get the touch needed.

If Congleton were poor, their opponents were even less impressive, but there was always the fear of another speculative effort replicating the earlier strike. Martin picked up a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct as he attempted to kick the ball out of Wilkes’ hands as the goalkeeper tried to launch the ball up-field.

As the half came to a close, Congleton suddenly started to find a bit more composure on the ball and a neat passing move sent Hurst through on goal. His first touch let him down though and gave the Cheadle defence the time needed to get in a crucial tackle to clear the danger. Nesbitt was the first of the visitors to pick up a caution on 42 minutes. Congleton forced a number of corners in the final few minutes of the half, but the home sides lead remained intact as the referee brought the first-half to a close.

Half-Time: Cheadle Town 1 Congleton Town 0

The second half brought with it a complete change in character for the Bears, but not before Martin was afforded the first shot on goal after a quick Cheadle break. Thereafter it was all about the visitors. Hurst cut inside from the left wing and played the ball in to Bostock, who put in a dangerous cross that Cheadle ‘keeper Atkinson did well to smother under pressure.

The scores were finally brought level after 54 minutes. Haddrell was found in a central position, on the edge of the 18 yard box. A single touch when the ball was played into his feet took him to the right of his marker and that was enough to create room for the shot. A fiercely hit ball was met by both of Atkinson’s hands, but the sheer power in the shot took it through them and into the back of the net.

It wasn’t long before Congleton took the lead and once again it was Haddrell who made the breakthrough. A ball floated into the home side’s penalty area was met by a crowd of players, including the goalkeeper. It was a close call as several players collided, but Haddrell just managed to get enough of his head on the ball to send it dribbling into the back of the net. Despite protestations from Atkinson, the challenge was a fair one and the goal stood.

Cheadle made their first change taking off Clarke for Brocklehurst, but the Bears just kept on pressing. On 65 minutes, Hurst was set up once again and only a last minute tackle prevented another goal. From the resulting corner Haddrell rose highest to head goal-wards only to see his effort cleared off the line. Buchanan was then cautioned for dissent, having had far too much to say throughout the game.

Congleton’s third goal had been coming for several minutes before Hurst finished off a fine Bears’ move after 67 minutes. There was some neat build up play, culminating in Harris playing in a measured ball to Haddrell, who headed the ball back across goal into the path of Hurst, running in from the right, to smash the ball home.

With the Bears firmly in control, it was time to give young Adam Woodhall the chance to step up from the reserves squad and make his first-team debut, replacing Bostock on the left wing. Soon thereafter, Cheadle also made a change, replacing the other Brocklehurst brother with Myers. Haddrell picked up a yellow card after 71 minutes and a second Bears’ change saw Twigg replace the clubs’ top goal-scorer, before Keeling also found his way into the referee’s notebook for dissent.

Congleton were finding most success playing balls into space for Hurst to chase and he had a number of opportunities to increase the Bears’ lead even further, but at the crucial moment the ball never quite seemed to run in his favour. Keeling made way for a rare appearance by the Manager, Anthony Buckle with six minutes remaining, and a minute later Cheadle made their last change of the game with Mellor replacing Riley.

For the Bears, the icing on the cake came by way of a fourth goal, courtesy of an own-goal by Brocklehurst. As the ball was crossed in from the right, the Cheadle replacement was tracking back to cover at the back post and as the ball evaded all those in front of him, it took a nasty deflection off of him and crept inside the back post to seal victory.

Team: Wilkes, Vickers, Banawich, Lycett, Alston A (C), Nesbitt, Keeling, Harris, Hurst, Haddrell, Bostock.
Subs: Woodhall, Buckle, Heeps, Twigg.

“COLLIEDOG”

Victory, but too close for comfort!