Birkdale United AFC

Birkdale S travelled to Ainsdale, the lads have been playing well in the last few weeks and the same was to be said about today’s game. Birkdale S were on the ball from the kick off with Flatts in fine form and Welford holding the ball up, and spreading some fine balls around the pitch. After five minutes Welford held the ball on the left and waited for O’Neil who was bombing down the right side, he fed the ball inch perfect to is feet and he cooly slotted home 1-0.

Birkdales second came when Flatts made a great run on goal, and hit a sweet ball bottom corner 2-0.

The second half was a slow start as Birkdale had there backs to the wall, but the defence held on well with great tackles from the defenders and some fine saves by Huyton. Ainsdale got a goal back to make it 2-1. Things were getting a bit nerve racking but with 10 minutes left Birkdale turned the screw on Ainsdale. Casterton took command in midfield, Welford had 4 or 5 shots saved by the Ainsdale keeper.

Birkdale started to find their passing range again, and it wasn’t long before O’Neil got his second an third goals, 

Birkdale were 4-1 winners in the end, but Manager Shaun felt the team also should have had a penalty when it seemed that an Ainsdale player hand balled a good yard inside the box, but the referee pulled play back and awarded a free kick just outside the area. Ainsdale keeper was fantastic today and definately kept the score line down, so well done to him.

WELL DONE ALL YET AGAIN

Both teams made a bright start to this important end of season fixture with Birkdale needing to win to make certain of second place and to give themselves a chance of winning the league if Formby B fail to win their three remaining games.

Both teams played some good football but were unable to create any clear cut chances.   J. Grant was in the thick of the action early on taking charge of the Birkdale midfield.

After 20 minutes, Crosby Stuart had the best chance of the first half when a through ball was picked up by one of their players who ran on and shot only for N. Knight to make an excellent one handed save pushing the ball over the crossbar.

The score remained 0 – 0 until half time.

Birkdale started the second half with renewed purpose and after 2 minutes, following a great run by L. Jackson, unselfishly sliding the ball across the goal for M. Regan to slot the ball into the net, 1 – 0.

Birkdale continued to enjoy slightly the better of possession and were rewarded with a second goal after 12 minutes, again made by a L. Jackson jinking run, with L. Williams blasting the ball into the back of the net, 2 – 0.

The game continued to ebb and flow for the next 10 minutes with both teams having chances but neither side being able to gain any advantage.

After 22 minutes, Crosby Stuart were again denied a goal by N. Knight with a brave save rushing out and diving at the feet of the advancing striker.

Crosby Stuart continued to launch the ball forward at every opportunity but the Birkdale defence held firm and the midfield and forwards continued to pose their own threat at the other end.

On the whole a good performance from Birkdale doing enough to deserve the win, but Crosby Stuart played their part to make this an exciting match to watch.

Man of the Match this week was N. Knight for some great match winning saves.