|
Well, the new season has started and it doesn't seem all that long ago that the two teams met in a title decider. Poulton only had to avoid defeat that day to win the title, but didn't manage it, as Quilligans ran out winners and took the title. Would things be different today? It was off to Elswick to find out.
Quilligans got the game underway and created the eary pressure with some slick passing moves. Some good work between Short and Pearson had the ball in Poulton's net, but was ruled out for offside. Poulton's first chance came when Bracewell and Lawler both leapt for the same ball, with Poulton picking up the pieces ball, but the shot flashed just wide of the upright.
On 22 minutes Quilligans got their reward for the early pressure when Cook broke the deadlock with a 25 yard strike. Moments later Poulton very nearly had a penalty after some good build up play, but the Poulton player kept his feet rather than going down - commendable, but a certain penalty if he had fallen to the ground.
Both sides had half decent chances before the break, but Quilligans made the most of theirs, when Broadbent increased Quilligans lead three minutes before half-time. A Poulton throw was eventually won by Palmer, who went on a superb run through the midfield, laid a precision through ball to Broadbent who made no mistake and finished with aplomb.
Half-time 0-2.
Poulton started the second half the better with Morris forcing a smart save from Clowes. Five minutes into the half Poulton pulled a goal back. A stuuning turn and volley from Tom Porter on the edge of the area gave Clowes no chance. Poulton were having a good spell and forced another smart save from Clowes moments later.
Quilligans weathered the pressure from Poulton and responded with some good work between Broadbent and Cook, where the latter forced a brilliant save from the Poulton keeper, palming the shot onto the post. Broadbent should have made it 3-1, when a great run and cross by Gorrie found him lurking at the far post, but he was unable to convert the chance.
Quilligans did increase their lead on 63 minutes, when an Ioannou corner was cleared to Broadbent on the edge of the area and he slammed it straight into the back of the Poulton net. Six minutes later it was 4-1. A great move from the back finished with Broadbent unselfishly squaring for Sugden who sidefooted home.
After a series of missed chances by Quilligans, Poulton had a chance to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty for handball. However, Clowes went the right way saving well down to his right.
With three minutes remaining Pearson rose above the Poulton defence to head home an Ioannou cross to snuff out any last hope Poulton had.
Full-time 1-5.
Apart from a short spell of pressure at the start of the second half, Quilligans were always in control of the game and were good value for their win. In fact, given amount of missed chances it should have been an even bigger margin of victory. Some good performances today, especially from the new signings.
Scorers
Cook 22, Broadbent 42, 63, Sugden 69, Pearson 87
Team
Clowes, Brooks, Bracewell, Lawler, Gorrie, Cook, Pearson, Ioannou, Palmer, Short, Broadbent
Substitutes
Moore, McPhee, Sugden, West, Roberts
|
