01/05/2026
Wednesdays game was quite something. Soon as we saw the winner of us and Cockermouth would play Maryport at home, we were absolutely buzzing at the thought of getting a game against some of next years opposition. We knew we’d find it tough as this is a side who in recent years, have cleaned up with silverware, but we had a very strong squad and were very optimistic we could give a good account of ourselves. A very short journey for the travelling support meant the sidelines were packed, which hopefully means the atmosphere at next seasons fixtures against them is as good as Wednesday night.
There wasn’t an awful lot to shout about in the first half, unsure either team even had a real clear cut chance. A fair bit of haramball from both teams aswell as the famous pottery park bobble, (the lack of rain over the last few week really hasn’t helped this), made getting a shot away very difficult. After 45 minutes of the gardens on Lonsdale and the allotments taking a hammering, we went into the break level.
After half time we came out firing and pretty early on 2 great chances fell for Ben Carini, sadly neither were converted. Unsure if this was his arse falling out when keeper came out, or just him trying to get his name on top 10 respectful moments in Dearham football history, as Dearham stalwart Craig Rule dealt with both. For the first 15 minutes or so we were undoubtedly the better team but we didn’t make anything of it. This naturally led to Maryport getting back on top and to be honest they’ve threw the kitchen sink at us for the remaining half an hour. The bobble was still proving to be a nightmare as a few chickens were heard squawking as chance after chance went into the allotments, but it looked like only a matter of time until they got a goal. There was a chance that really could’ve been scored but Taylor Manchester, who was an absolute rock in centre half, dealt with it well. The full time whistle went and we finished the game level, without Aaron actually facing a shot.
Penalties loomed and the amount of people who wanted to take a penalty was astonishingly low. We eventually made our order and it was Jack Brown to step up first. After telling the full team he was going down the middle, he forgot the part where you actually have to put some power on the ball, as Craig who had already dived managed to stop it with his foot. Ciaran b***y stepped up for maryport and his penalty was saved by Aaron Lister, who had already played very well in the game. Funnily enough, this was the only time Aaron dived to his right in the full shootout. The next 11 penalties were all scored, with Aaron, Bran, Taylor, Danger, Matty and Heaney getting ours.
Aaron persistently diving left finally paid off though as he saved Joe Hetheringtons penalty to send the sideline wild. These celebrations were very short lived as the linesman pulled it back, saying Aaron was off his line. We felt this was a bit harsh as it was probably just his nose, but nonetheless Joe stepped up again. Aaron again dived left and made the save, this time there was no disallowing it. A 6-5 win on penalties. The sideline went ballistic again and after running the width of the pitch, Az channeled his inner Mateta, giving the corner flag a big old boot. Semi finals now await us as we face the winner of Workington/Mirehouse at home on the 16th of May.
MOTM could’ve went to quite a few people on the day, I don’t want to give Aaron too much credit but he was fu***ng fantastic, as were Danny and Taylor to name a couple, but Matty Og picked up the award after a fantastic battle in midfield against tough opposition. Until the semi in 2 weeks time, up the fu***ng tangerines🍊🟠⚫️
