Ladybridge Storm 2 Ladybridge Athletic 1  

Storm played Athletic on a clear October morning and despite heavy rain the game went ahead in perfect conditions. Athletic came into this game as Champions and Cup Runners-Up from last season and despite losing three key players to academies and one to another club they were unbeaten this season. Storm also lost a key player to an academy side and had won two and lost two so far this season.

The initial exchanges were fairly even. A surging run by Connor took him past several defenders and his fine cross into the goalmouth only needed a touch and Tom was very relieved to see it go behind for a goal kick. Athletic looked solid, well balanced and dangerous on the break. Their imposing back men looked comfortable under pressure and menacing going forward and their midfielders played delightful football with clever inter-passing and good movement off the ball. Connor was very involved and combined well withTashan. Connor and then Robert burst through but their shots were saved by Tom. Despite being in the ascendancy defensive collywobbles in the Storm defence saw the ball repeatedly given away. A poor clearance and slack marking allowed Joe, the Athletic right midfielder to run through and blast home a spectacular goal. Athletic missed a glorious opportunity to extend their lead when their centre forward broke through unchallenged but lost his footing at the crucial moment. Although Athletic had better balance Storm began to control the middle of the park and Connor seized upon uncharacteristic hesitancy in the Athletic defence and smashed home the equaliser. It was a cruel goal to concede but one that Storm fully deserved. Athletic, immediately countered and a sizzling long-range shot from the impressive William sailed just over

H.T 1 – 1

In the second-half Storm tightened up in defence and began to deny Athletic’s forwards time and space. Ben, Matthew Varney and Adam won and cleared the ball with greater confidence. Jordie, Matthew Barber and the hard running Robert began to win the midfield battle and pushed play into Athletic’s half. A succession of clever through balls tested Athletic but their back men and goalie stood firm. James was also turning in a faultless performance and was immaculate throughout the game.

His team mates began to take control of the game but were reluctant to shoot in front of goal. A heroic tackle by Alex K. thwarted Storm’s marauding forwards but their midfield superiority and greater appetite for the ball led to a deserved second goal. Jordie broke through and although pursued by panting defenders kept his head and slid a clinical finish past the helpless Tom.

A phase of messy play ensued with Athletic desperately trying to push forward and Storm defending in numbers. In the closing seconds Athletic’s most impressive forward broke through and closed in on goal. James intelligently came off his line to narrow the angle and watched with great relief as the ball sailed past his far post for a goal kick. Seconds later the referee, who had an excellent game, blew his whistle and the Storm players, their exuberant coach and jubilant supporters celebrated a savoured victory.

This was a deserved victory by a Storm side that fought with great determination to record its first win against Athletic. Storm won because they had an excellent goalkeeper, a solid defence (in the second half) and combative midfielders who seized the initiative after falling a goal behind. Jordie’s and Connor’s goals were both special but so too was the excellent goalkeeping of James that prevented Athletic equalising with the last kick of the game.

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