Redgate Green vs. Birkdale United N
February 22nd, 2009 by admin| Date: | Sunday 22nd February 2009 |
| Location: | Watchyard Lane, Formby |
| Result: | Redgate Green (1)    Birkdale United (6) |
A slow start to the game by Birkdale taking a while to settle into their stride.
Birkdale’s first goal came after nine minutes from a free kick on the edge of the penalty area blasted into the top corner of the net by J. Frew, 0 – 1.
Two minutes later a corner taken by B. Pike dropped into the middle of the six yard box and S. Howard stabbed the ball into the net, 0 – 2.
Birkdale continued to apply pressure but squandered several chances to extend their lead.
Two minutes before half time Birkdale paid the price for not killing the game off when Redgate grabbed a breakaway goal, pretty much their first real chance of the game, 1 – 2.
The half time team talk had the desired effect and Birkdale started the second half with much more purpose.
After five minutes L. Jackson ran through on goal resisting some robust defending to slide the ball past the advancing keeper, 1 – 3.
The next chance fell to J. Grant who unluckily saw his great shot come back off the crossbar and Redgate were able to clear the danger.
Two minute later B. Pike grabbed a goal with fine run and great chip over the keepers head, 1 – 4.
Birkdale continued to apply pressure but squandered yet more chances until they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area.  Once again J. Frew stepped up to blast the ball into the top corner of the net, 1 – 5.
The final goal of the game was scored by J. Young with a header when the ball bounced back off the crossbar from a shot by L. Jackson, 1 – 6.
A comfortable win for Birkdale in the end, it could so easily have been in double figures with some more clinical finishing in front of goal.  The second half performance was much better than the first with some good performances from a number of players.
It was decided to award joint Man of the Match again this week to J. Grant for a commanding and assured performance in midfield and L. Williams for some surging runs down the right wing and regularly getting the ball into the danger area.
