Runcorn Sports 6 West Kirby 1 – Match Report.
Saturday 22nd January 2022
West Kirby struggled to pose their capabilities against a strong Runcorn Sports side as they fell to a 6-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon.
In an end to end fast paced half, the hosts were clinical in the final third. However, it was West Kirby that netted first as Sam Haley beat his man with an instinctive side foot finish inside the box.
The scoreline would soon be made level, before Runcorn put themselves in front. The first was converted by Mick O’Neil with a low and hard finish before Ste Woodwood performed a well worked move on the left hand side as he cut in to finish in the top corner.
Nathan Brook’s men had an opportunity to put the game level. However, Tila Davies’ header flew over the bar.
Just as they did with their opening two goals, Runcorn scored two in quick succession before the whistle blew for halftime. Josh Archer would score the third following a brilliant through ball and then Ste Jackson netted from the penalty spot.
The pace of the game would mellow after the break as the leaders enjoyed more of the possession.
A fifth, to put the game far out of the reach of a draw, was scored by Woodwood as the attacker pounced on a mistake at the back. In truth, the scoreline would’ve had a greater difference if Lewis Burrows hadn’t made two great close range saves midway into the half.
Woodwood sealed a hat trick with an exquisite 30 yard looping strike to take the scoreline to 6-1 as the afternoon’s play was soon brought to an end.
It’s important to recognise the importance of referees in the lower leagues, Clive Brown had a very good game which was rightly recognised by the hosts.
Man of the match: Ste Jackson, the left back created many goal scoring opportunities.
West Kirby Line up: Lewis Burrows, Callum McCaffrey, Dave Hird, Conor Eccles, Patrick Carpenter, Harrison Hindley, Charlie Clewlow, Josh Sutton, Jordan Chwalko, Tila Davies, Sam Haley, Joe Stephenson.