Chaddertonians Reserves 0, Prestwich 4
Lancs Amateur League Division Two at The Lancaster Club, Failsworth
Saturday 31st October 2009
A brace from Sean Haslam, an early strike by Paul McGovern and a breathtaking overhead kick from Shaun Jackson sealed a superb 4-0 win at division leaders Chaddertonians Reserves on Saturday.
Sporting new warm-up tops kindly sponsored by Vivid Wheels – Your number 1 choice for alloy wheels and tyres in Bury – Prestwich prepared for the first of two consecutive league games against table-topping Chaddertonians Reserves. Matches that could really set the tone for the rest of the season for the Heys Road side.
And it didn’t take the visitors long to gain the upper hand when, in the 7th minute, Sean Haslam flicked on a Chris Hopkins cross in to the path of winger McGovern who poked the ball home from six yards.
Just after the quarter-hour and Prestwich had doubled their lead as Craig Howarth’s through ball found Haslam who’s shot back across the ‘keeper found the bottom corner.
Then Mark Moir’s 34th minute strike was ruled out as the defender was somewhat harshly adjudged to have put the ball in to the net with the use of his hand. ;-)
It wasn’t all one-way traffic though but the home side struggled to find a way through a strong Prestwich defence. And even when they did, Chaddertonians found Prestwich ‘keeper Mike Hudson to be equal to any chances that came his way.
After the break, striker Jackson provided a moment of individual brilliance as he acrobatically rose to Moir’s flick-on to firmly plant an overhead kick past the Chaddertonians ‘keeper. Think Pelé in Escape to Victory but without the 50 slow-mo replay’s!
On the hour, sub Anthony Roberts almost made an immediate impact from the bench but his low cross was cut out by a covering defender.
However, the speedy winger shortly after slipped a ball in to Haslam who toyed with his marker before placing a shot out of the Chaddertonians ‘keeper’s reach for the Prestwich fourth.
New signing Paul Taylor, after rebuffing informal advances from TWO Manchester League clubs while warming-up on the Prestwich touchline, entered the fray for Moir in the 66th minute as Metcalfe looked to give his new defender a run-out.
Edison Arantes do Nascimento, a.k.a. Jacko, went close to adding another goal but found his close-range volley brilliantly saved by the Chad’s goalie.
Manager Lee Metcalfe was understandably proud of his players but reserved special praise for his assistant manager Paul Mercer.
“He’s like my little brother. He’s my right arm. My rock,” beamed Metcalfe. “He’s great to have around the club and great to work with. His knowledge of the game knows no limits!”
PFC: Hudson, Hopkins, Ward, Moir (Taylor), Steadman, Lott, Howarth, Kosub (Blezard), Haslam (2), Jackson (1), McGovern (1) (Roberts)
• Prestwich Reserves slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against unbeaten Broughton Amateurs ‘A’ at Drinkwater Park on Saturday. Kieran Comiskey’s superb free-kick wasn’t enough for Robbie Monetti’s team who also missed a first-half penalty.
• The Sunday team’s scheduled fixture at Hollinhurst against MPG British Queen was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. Peter Lorenzini’s team next take on table-toppers Towler at Manchester Road on the 8th November, KO 10:30am.
• Prestwich FC’s race night last Friday was a great success raising over £800 for the club’s redevelopment fund. Zach Thorp and Pelé scooped the top prize of the Xbox 360 in the Viewline Northwest Auction Race. Thanks to all those who came along and to all the race sponsors for their support.
