Poulton Vics 2 West Kirby 1
Saturday 5th March 2022.
West Kirby fell to a narrow defeat away to Poulton Vics on Saturday afternoon. However, manager Nathan Brooks believed it was a ‘much improved performance’ in comparison to their last time out.
The visitors started the game in a strong manner, being awarded two successive free kicks as a result of great hold up play by Carl Murphy.
As time ticked on the game grew even, the hosts seeing an effort hit over the bar from 30 yards out as they became much more effective on the ball.
Vics seemed to be the stronger side in the closing stages of the opening 45 minutes, enjoying possession in their opponents box. However, a fantastically quick counter attack by the visitors saw great play down the left as James Harris played a ball to Sam Haley. The attacker then fired a pass to Murphy, his pressure was enough to force an own goal.
It was a tentative start to the second half for both sides. The first chance fell to Murphy, the keeper saving his effort on goal.
The hosts needed to score a goal relatively soon if they were going to win the game and they were awarded a penalty with just less than 20 minutes left to play. Louis Haddock converted to get his team back into the game.
There was a sin bin earlier on when James Harris chose to argue his point to the referee but the first cards of the game were delivered to two players after an altercation, Harris and Jason Bull being on the receiving end of them.
It wouldn’t take Vics too long to find the goal that edged them in front following their first. A looping 35 yard volley hit the left post before sinking into the net, Kyle Bennett the man who had the shot.
West Kirby came close to an equaliser on the 80th minute with a quality free kick being sent just over the heads looking to attack the ball. The ninety was soon brought to an end and the visitors were condemned to another cruel defeat.
Nathan Brooks gave his thoughts after the final whistle blew:
“Both teams attacked the game. As anticipated, it was an aggressive contest with both sets of players committing to everything. It was a much improved performance from us. The big moments went against us today but overall I couldn’t have asked for anymore from the players. If we can maintain this standard we should collect a good amount of points in our upcoming fixtures”.
Man of the match: West Kirby captain Callum McCaffrey who won multiple aerial duals and swept up the danger very well.
West Kirby F.C squad: Aedden Jones, Dan Smith, Callum McCaffrey, Lewis Boardman, Cameron Kneen, Charlie Clewlow, Ciaran Gregory, Dave Hird, James Harris, Sam Haley, Carl Murphy, Sam Parker, Josh Sutton, Harrison Hindley, Dan Lewis, Joe Haste.