09/11/2024
Well, what a game we had the pleasure of witnessing this morning!
With Ree out sick it was Taylor and Schofield in net for a half each.
Coming into the game we knew we were in for a very tough, entertaining game with both teams having near perfect starts to the season.
The game started even with both teams trying to get a foothold on the game, but it was R Mrabah who opened the scoring for the visitors, latching on to a delicious through ball and stroking it home for I believe his 10th goal of the season!
The game continued at such a fast pace with both teams displaying some great pass and move football, but it was Shawside who grabbed 2 goals within 5 minutes of each other with the second being very dubious with Taylor having 2 hands on the ball before it was knocked into the net.
Half time 2-1 Shawside.
The team talk was simple. Keep the pace, play the negative pass to draw the opposition in then play the killer for for the electric forwards to run on to.
5 minutes after the restart saw a dazzling run from Ollerton down the left beating 3 players before cutting in, beating another defender and slotting it passed the goal keeper. 2-2 and what an individual masterpiece!
Lisbon’s third soon came after with Taylor, who was a real game changer when coming out of net as striker, using his strength well to hold off his man, spin round and getting his shot away to the bottom left.
With 30 minutes still to go and both teams continuing to probe and trying to exeert their authority, it was Shawside who got themselves back into it with a lovely curling shot from 25 yards into the top right.
Rolling their sleeves up, Horwich weren’t having it though and started to take the game my the scruff of the neck with some no-none sense challenges and distributing the ball well out wide to create plenty of chances, with who else but Riley Taylor receiving the ball from high, showing immense strength, resulting in him spinning his man and unleashing the ball in to the net. That’s Taylor’s 7th goal in 3 games!
With Shawside trying to get back into the game, to no avail, Horwich continued to probe, creating the best chances. With 10 minutes to go it was the dynamic movement of Ollerton again who drove towards goal, but being forced away from the goal by the goalkeeper, the ball fell to Trickett who smashed through the difference from 20 yards into the empty net. 5-3 Lisbon! I think that could be Timmy’s 10th goal of the season too!
The drama didn’t end there though with Shawside pulling a goal back with 5 to go.
It was a nervy end with Horwich creating some more chances, but it took an outstanding save from Schofield to prevent the game from going to penalties with an unbelievable save from a direct free kick, turning it around the post. There’s a reason he’s Charnock Richard’s number 1!
Full time - 5-4 to Lisbon with all coaches and spectators clapping the efforts of all lads on the pitch.
The report doesn’t give justice to the hardworking all the players put in with some brilliant defending and midfield action throughout.
Coaches man of the match went to Graham for a determined performance on the wing with him giving up on nothing and being a continued nuisance to the opposition.
Parents player went to M Mrabah for a commanding display at left back vs an exceptional winger who he managed to keep quiet throughout the game.
Well done Horwich - another spectacle and another win. We’re in the hat for the next round.
The continued effort and progress these lads are showing each week is quite something with the consistency they’re showing. In our last 34 competitive games (since the start of last season) they have won 28, drew 2 and lost 4.
Well done boys and let’s keep playing and fighting. ⚽️⚪️🟢