North West Counties - First [Step 5]

From C.Ross-Bar- Re Friendlies 2005-2006

Our first and biggest friendly was against Football League opposition- Tranmere Rovers who play us every year to get us off to a good start money–wise as the game attracts about 600-700 spectators.

They invariably beat us as strength and fitness usually always tells. BUT… this year we made full page News Headlines in the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo when the unbelievable finally happened - we beat them!

1 – 0 -and we deserved it. Our first half performance was outstanding…..people watching said it was hard to tell which was the Professional Club. Second half saw a different Rovers side take the field, with very experienced players, the likes of Jason McAteer and Zola but they still couldn`t get the ball in the net! A (rocket) Ronnie Morgan goal on the stroke of half time separated the teams at the end of the game, giving Lairds a memorable win over their Coca Cola Division 1 neighbours. Oh what a night!

Cammell Laird 1, Tranmere 0 (Echo) Jul 13 2005

By Rob Brady at Kirklands

DEFEAT to non-league Cammell Laird rounded off a day to forget for Tranmere manager Brian Little. Just hours after key defender Ryan Taylor agreed terms with Premiership new boys Wigan Athletic, Rovers failed to impress in their pre-season friendly at Kirklands last night.

A superb goal by Laird's prolific striker Ronnie Morgan and a string of missed chances by the visitors handed the North West Counties Division One outfit a surprise 1-0 victory.

Little said afterwards: "Nothing pleased me about the game. Most of the players missed the boat tonight. They worked hard, but did not play well."We were very poor first half and unlucky not to score in the second. Chrissie Dagnall had a good chance to settle everyone down, missed that and then it just got worse.

"From a work out point of view it was fine, but we played them at their game rather than our own. We didn't pass the ball around. It was just scrappy. "It has been one of those days. I've been on the phone all day with all sorts of little problems and I've ended up with a bigger problem tonight."

Rovers fielded two different sides in each half and failed to match Laird's high tempo in the opening 45 minutes. Dagnall was denied early on by keeper John Gann after he had raced clear of the defence, while Ian Goodison was unlucky to see another shot saved after weaving past three opponents.

The only goal came two minutes before the break when Morgan turned Mike Jackson and blasted into the far corner of the net. Rovers improved in the second half with youngsters Paul Martin and Steve Davies the pick of the bunch.

Mark Rankine and Joe Fowler forced fine saves from replacement keeper Colin Flood, while Ian Sharps twice headed just over. Fowler was left ruing a missed opportunity in front of goal, side footing a Calvin Zola cross over the bar.

TRANMERE (1st half): Achterberg, Vaughan, Jackson, Linwood, Goodison, Jennings, Harrison, Aiston, Tremarco, Dadi, Dagnall.

TRANMERE (2nd half): Wilson, James, Martin, Sharps, Roberts, Fowler, McAteer, Rankine, Brown, Zola, Davies.

 

 

 

 

Cammell Laird 4- 0 Darwen

last Div 2 League match at Lairds, Sat 7th May `05

Lairds finished the season in style with a solid performance against Darwen. This game saw two landmarks reached - Lairds scored their 200th goal of the season, and Ronnie Morgan scored his (seemingly) elusive 50th goal of the season! In fact, Ronnie bagged a hat-trick, so ended the season on 52 goals - a remarkable feat by any standards. Lairds also finished with a goal difference of 108 - again a wonderful achievement at any level of football!

All of the trophies were on display, the League Challenge Cup, the Second Division Trophy, the Second Division Championship trophy, the magnificent Cheshire Amateur Cup and the Wirral Senior Cup- what a fairytale season! All these, along with three “Manager`s of the Month”, two Second Division “Players of the Month”, and two “Goalkeepers of the Month”! What a team! What a season! Photos to follow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silsden 2 – 1 Cammell Laird

NWCFL Div 2.

Lairds frightened the life out of Silsden in front of a huge crowd at Silsden on Wednesday night. After being clapped on to the pitch by their opponents, Lairds took the lead with a headed lob from John Couch half way through the first half and had the better of the game - it looked like the Silsden players had let the occasion get to them.

But after the break it was the sheer determination and guts of Silsden which saw them snatch a dramatic win, ensuring their promotion to the First Division as Runners – Up! Tired legs and heads missed chances for Lairds, who spurned chance after chance as Silsden pushed forward in the second half - it was do or die for them and two set pieces resulted in two goals - two corners, two headers, and two goals! With the crowd behind them, they had a very twitchy last period and with the Ref playing some six minutes over, hearts were in mouths……but the whistle finally blew and Silsden get their reward - First Division football next season.

Lairds can now look forward to the last game of their very long and successful season, on Saturday v Darwen at 3pm.

Lairds - John Gann, Derek Ward (Captain), Anthony Sheehan, Andy Pew, Paul Tosney, Jamie McGuire, John Couch, Eddie Jebb, Ronnie Morgan, Stuart Wright, Ian Cooke.

Subs - Mike Reeves, Tim Bigland,

 

 

 

 

Sat 30/4/05 Cammell Laird 0 v 2 Silsden
Mon 02/05/05 Fiixton 0 v 6 Lairds

A very tired Lairds team lost at home to a Silsden side who need to win their last three games to get promotion.The big games over the last few weeks have taken their toll and Silsden went away deserved winners 2-0. The return game is this Wednesday 4th, with the defeat stinging, and a keen game is expected.

Away at Flixton on Bank Holiday Monday, Lairds returned to their scoring ways with a six goal blitz, taking them nearer to the magical figure of 200 goals scored in a season- the total is currently at 194, with 2 games left!

Weathering a monsoon, thunder and lightening, and blinding sunshine,(all in the space of an hour and a half!),- four goals from James McCoy, and a goal each from John Couch and Alex Bishop saw Lairds take the points home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 28th April

Norton Utd 1 – 1 Cammell Laird

NWCFL Division 2
This result confirms Cammell Laird are the Champions of Div 2 even if Silsden appeal against their 3 point deduction and are successful.
A goal from Ian Cooke before the break gave Lairds the lead which they held until the 87th minute when a rare Norton attack down the right resulted in the equalizer. With 7 or 8 changes from the victorious League Cup winning side of Monday night, Lairds dominated play and should have had the game sewn up by half time. The second half followed the same pattern but the killer second goal proved elusive, and Lairds had to settle for a point, enough to secure the League title.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

League Challenge Cup Final
Cammell Laird 2 - 0 Skelmersdale United
Played at Bury F.C., Gigg Lane, Bury, Lancs.

Lairds completed a record making treble with this win, adding the League Challenge Cup to the Second Division Championship and the Second Division Trophy.

This is an unprecedented achievement in the North West Counties League, especially for a club in its inaugural season!

Early pressure from Lairds paid off in the first ten minutes with a Ronnie Morgan effort being deflected into the goal by a Skem defender - (we don`t know yet whether the goal is Ronnie`s or an o.g.) A very bouncy ball and a very uneven playing surface made the usual fast ,flowing football scarce but the first half hour belonged to Lairds who settled quicker than their opponents.

Ronnie Morgan missed a great opportunity to get the second, before the break, when he broke free in front of goal but was unable to convert the chance and fired the ball wide of the mark.

A bizarre chance fell to the Skem centre forward when the Lairds keeper threw the ball out to him (instead of our full back) and with his back to goal, the forward snatched at it - when in fact he had plenty of time but fortunately for Lairds, he hit it past the far post.

The second half pattern followed the first, Lairds settled down again and pressed for the second goal. In all, Lairds had four one – on – ones but missed them all when it looked easier to score - (it always looks easy from the line!).

Skem were caught offside many times as Lairds squeezed them to the half way line - a dangerous game to play but one which payed off.

John Gann in the Lairds goal kept out a header from a Skem corner and then Lairds brought on substitute Aaron Rey - who yet again changed the match. Aaron held the ball well and Lairds looked to play wider, bringing James McCoy more into the game wide left - and then the crunch goal came - and it was Aaron Rey who met a corner to the near post and scored with a first touch which left everyone else flatfooted.

Celebrations (and relief) were hectic. With only a few minutes to go, Lairds were 2-0 up against much fancied Skelmersdale United from the First Division - similar to the semi final victory over much fancied Fleetwood Town and were about to make a little bit of history.

When the final whistle went and victory was achieved, the satisfaction of knowing we had beaten the best available in the League was gratifying. The taunts, insults, and predictions on websites mean nothing.

Victory goes to Lairds in the Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties League Challenge Cup: victory goes to Lairds in the Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties League Second Division Trophy; and victory goes to Lairds in the Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties League Second Division Championship.

Nothing more to say! No boasts, no slagging others off - Lairds do their talking on the pitch. Long may it continue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NWCFL Div 2… Cheadle Town 1- 9 Cammell Laird…….Wed 20th April `05

Lairds all but win the Second Division Championship!!!

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	Pts	PP
1	Cammell Laird	31	25	5	1	130	29	101	80	95
2	Winsford United	34	21	7	6	67	28	39	70	76
3	Padiham	34	20	6	8	77	53	24	66	72
4	Silsden	31	20	5	6	81	37	44	65	80
5	Nelson	33	15	9	9	72	50	22	54	63
6	Norton United	32	15	11	6	58	38	20	53	65

Lairds` relentless march for the title saw a total and complete demolition of a young Cheadle Town side, on their own ground where they had been having some very good results lately. Lairds attacked straight from the kick off and really never let up from that point on. Indeed, even though it may have been a record goal fest away from home, it could have been very many more.

Lairds were also after (what we believe to be) the League record for goals scored, and also the elusive 100 goal difference!

It was a night for records as we rewrote the figures! On 121 goals at the start of the game, 127 was the target to beat and a seven goal difference was needed to break the magical 100 goals difference barrier.

What a night! Goals flew in from Jamie McGuire, Eddie Jebb, Lee Badrock, Ronnie Morgan, Degsy Ward, and a couple from Aaron Rey, and one from sub John Couch as well as the first own goal of the season,(which strangely enough was the goal that broke the scoring record and also the goal that made the goal difference 100!)

With five games to go and only Silsden who can come anywhere close if they win all their remaining games by a record score every time, including beating us twice; and also if they appeal and win against their three points deduction. We feel quite confident of lifting the Championship but to mathematically make it ours, another point will kill off everyone else, and make Lairds Champions with some style in their first season in the Moore & Co (Solicitors) North West Counties League.

Lairds team - John Gann, Derek Ward©, Anthony Sheehan, John Collins, Anthony Lynch, Jamie McGuire, Eddie Jebb, Lee Badrock, Ronnie Morgan, Aaron Rey, Stuart Wright. Subs- all played - John Couch, Andy Pew, John Morgan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cammell Laird 3 v 2 Nelson F.C.

NWCL Div 2. Monday 18th April `05

Pos	@ 18/04/05	Pl	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
1	[P] Cammell Laird	30	14	2	0	76	15	10	3	1	45	13	77	93
2	Winsford United	34	12	3	3	35	11	9	4	3	32	17	70	39
3	Padiham	34	10	4	4	43	30	10	2	4	34	23	66	24
4	Silsden	30	10	4	2	43	13	9	1	4	34	23	62	41

Cammell Laird marched on yet again with a great and very hard fought 3-2 victory over Nelson at Lairds on a very heavy pitch. The weather tried it's best to get the game postponed but the ground staff worked very hard & got the game on.

Taking advantage yet again of the squad system, Lairds were outplayed for the first half an hour and in fact it was no surprise when a needless free kick, given away on the edge of the box, resulted in a free header for the Nelson forward, who took full advantage of the poor marking, and opened Nelson`s account.

So it went on but Lairds came on strong after half an hour and put the Nelson goal under siege until the break but to no avail.

The second half opened brightly for Lairds and the one way traffic soon saw a very clever back header from Jamie McGuire hit the back of the net and Lairds were level! But not for long - pressure was starting to show on the Nelson defence and Lairds went two up on the hour when fine work from Ronnie Morgan saw him in the box surrounded by defenders but Ronnie found Stuart Wright on the left corner of the box and Stuart fired in a spectacular low shot into the corner of the goal giving Lairds the lead for the first time in the match!

But not for long!- yet another needless free kick given away on the half way line saw the Lairds defence day dreaming, and the same Nelson forward who scored earlier, scored a very good goal indeed as he broke free on the left, rounded our keeper, and found the net from the edge of the area! 2 – 2!

Lairds lead was short lived but the seemingly inevitable soon happened with the Nelson defence arguing with the Referee, the ball came out wide on the left and was crossed from the by- line backwards, to find Lee Badrock steaming in and he managed to hook the ball into the far corner of the net - a tremendous goal which ended a great move and put Lairds firmly in the driving seat, controlling the game to the end, and picking up the invaluable three points!

Lairds Team: John Gann, Derek Ward ©, John Collins, Anthony Sheehan, Anthony Lynch, Eddie Jebb, Lee Badrock, Stuart Wright, Ronnie Morgan, Jamie McGuire, Aaron Rey.

Subs - all played: John Couch. John Morgan. Andy Pew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cammell Laird 5 V 0 Leek CSOB Sat 16th April `05

Lairds are heading towards their first Championship in the Moore & Co North West Counties League Division 2 with a clinical performance against an in form Leek CSOB side who were overwhelmed after their spirited first twenty minutes when they could have gone two up - only good saves from John Gann denying the very good Alan Naggington from nabbing a brace.

Once Lairds settled into their stride, however, they took control of the game and never let it slip. By half time we had seen some excellent goals from Jamie McGuire (20 mins), a marvellous diving header from Ian Cooke on 33 mins and a great strike from Eddie Jebb on 41 mins.

The lead proved insurmountable and only one result was on the cards.

A very young and very game Leek side battled on to the end but found themselves defending their goalmouth for most of the second half.

Further goals from Ronnie Morgan and Aaron Rey pushed Lairds nearer to the League all - time scoring record of 127 goals - (currently on 118) and with 7 games to go.

One would have a bet on a new record being set this season by a very deserving Lairds side: the third clean sheet on the trot from John Gann in the Lairds goal will also help in our quest for a goal difference of 100+ goals which is a remarkable achievement at any level.

Lairds Team: John Gann, Derek Ward ©, Andy Pew, Anthony Sheehan, Anthony Lynch, Eddie Jebb, Jamie McGuire, John Collins, Ronnie Morgan, Stuart Wright, Ian Cooke.

Subs: (all Played), John Couch, Aaron Rey, Lee Bedrock.

		Pl	W	D	L	F	A		W	D	L	F	A	Pts	GD
1	Cammell Laird	29	13	2	0	73	13		10	3	1	45	13	74	92
2	Winsford United	34	12	3	3	35	11		9	4	3	32	17	70	39
3	Padiham	34	10	4	4	43	30		10	2	4	34	23	66	24
4	Silsden	30	10	4	2	43	13		9	1	4	34	23	62	41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cammell Laird 4 v. 0 Holker Old Boys - Tuesday 12th April 2005

Making full use of the squad system, Lairds marched on towards their first ever title win in the Moore & Co North West Counties League by seeing off Holker Old Boys by 4 goals to nil.

The first half was frustrating for Lairds, as chances went begging, but none went in! Holker made the long journey from Barrow and made a game of it, especially in the first half. It wasn`t until a spectacular Ian Cooke rocket into the far top corner of the net just before half time that Lairds calmed down and began to play some good, controlled football.

After the break, an Aaron Rey penalty into the bottom left side netting, giving the `keeper no chance of saving it, saw Lairds take control and dominate the match. It was only a matter of time and soon John Couch who was on the end of many moves finally found the target to make it 3 – 0. Subs came on in the form of Ronnie Morgan and James McCoy, as well as Andy Pew at the back. James McCoy finished the game when he pinched the ball off Ronnie Morgan (after a great run through the middle from Ronnie!) and slotted the fourth goal and ended the plucky determination of a vey game Holker side.

This win put Lairds back on top of the table, ahead on points and with several games in hand. The Silsden game was called off on Thursday,- waterlogged pitch, so this will have to be re-arranged but at least our players had an extra day`s rest before the home game v Nelson on Saturday.

Lairds Team; John Gann; Anthony Sheehan; Paul Tosney; John Collins; Tim Bigland; Eddie Jebb; Lee Badrock; Mick Rimmer; Aaron Rey; Ian Cooke; John Couch. Subs played- Andy Pew, Ronnie Morgan, James McCoy.

Lairds scorers- Cooke(1), Rey(1), Couch(1), McCoy(1).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

League Cup Semi-final, Second Leg:

Cammell Laird 2 v 0 Fleetwood Town

(aggregate score: Cammell Laird 2 Fleetwood Town 1)

Cammell Laird progressed to the Final tie of the League Cup with a memorable victory over Division 1 leaders Fleetwoon Town. Playing their fourth game in ten days, which has included a Final and two semi-finals, Lairds put aside the relative disappointment of their mid-week 2-2 draw with Daisy Hill, and swept aside a Fleetwood Town side looking good for promotion up to the Unibond League next season.

Straight from the first whistle, Lairds set out their stall - attack followed attack and pressure was put upon the Fleetwood goal almost constantly. Chances were spawned, and Fleetwood defended admirably and solidly at times. Lairdsd should have taken the lead when Ian Cooke, returning from injury, side footed a glorious opportunity but put it wide with the goalkeeper stranded! Then, of all people, Ronnie Morgan broke through with a pacy, weaving run, and slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper only to see it rebound off the far post and Eddie Jebb then hit a defender who had scrambled back onto the goal line!

Two wonderful chances gone begging - but no problem, it looked to the neutrals that there was only going to be one winner here today!

The second half continued in the same vein - attack, attack, attack- but… no goals;- plenty of scrambles, plenty of effort, plenty of excitement…but no goals; plenty of corners, plenty of free kicks, lots of resolute defending and some desperate defending at times,- but effective non the less. Still no goals with Fleetwood leading by the odd goal from the first leg, Lairds supporters were starting to get a bit twitchy……still no goals; possession and attacks count for nothing if there are no goals!

Then an inspired substitution - Aaron Rey, who worked so hard last week in the first leg, came on and changed the game…..goals at last. The first goal was a toe poke after a (poor) corner which somehow bounced into the box and Aaron managed to get a toe to it and it just about rolled over the line into the far corner of the goal! Fantastic- ten minutes to go and the scores are finally level!

The winner was a great piece of finishing by Aaron who, with extra time looming, chested down a ball inside the box, coolly controlled it & beat the defenders. It seemed the ball took an age to go into the net, but that`s exactly what it did and Lairds were through to the Final of the League Cup at the first time of asking!

A marvellous achievement for the Cub - promoted into the League this season, already Second Division Trophy Winners, (and dare we tempt fate and say looking good for promotion, hopefully as Champions)!

And now in the Final of this most prestigious of Cups, to played at Gigg Lane, the home of Bury F.C., on Monday 25th April at 7.30 k.o.

Lairds team - John Gann, Derek Ward ( c ), Andy Pew, Anthony Sheehan, Anthony Lynch, Jamie McGuire,John Collins Eddie Jebb, Mick Rimmer, Ian Cooke, Ronnie Morgan, Subs - Lee Badrock, Aaron Rey, John Couch – all played. Scorer - Aaron Rey (2).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Match Report: Fleetwood Town 1 v 0 Cammell Laird

League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg Sat 2nd April `05

Fleetwood Town, top of the First Division and looking for promotion to the Unibond League won this first leg of the League Cup semi-final by the most slender of margins.
Right from the off, a very tired (due the Final 36 hours earlier!) and also depleted Lairds side attacked the home defence, and could have taken an early lead but Jamie McGuire, on the edge of the box, scuffed his shot into the keeper`s arms.
Eddie Jebb had a great overhead effort splendidly saved by the Fleetwood keeper and we also spurned a great chance from the corner.
Lairds had 6 corners in the opening 20 minutes, but couldn`t manage to score any of the chances created.
A mistake at the back let Fleetwood in half way through the first half. A slip, on the edge of our box, then the ball was given away and the Fleetwood lad hit a very good shot from outside the box, usually this sort of shot is food & drink to our keeper but it flew over his head and into the net!
This obviously inspired Fleetwood who started to play to their potential and they created a few half-chances, putt ing the Lairds goal under some pressure. It was their turn for lots of corners and long throws but nothing came of it and the half time score was 1 - 0 to Fleetwood.

The second half started as it was meant to go on, Lairds attacked almost continually, down both wings, down the middle, through the middle, from the back, from the midfield, from everywhere - the crowd was silent, waiting for what seemed to be the inevitable goal but today was not the day. Saves from the keeper, defenders heading off the line, missed chances, one or two open goals, and a cracker of a free kick near the end, which was toe - poked away on the line by a defender!

Corners, free kicks, fouls, fights, what a second half performance!

Lairds attacked & Fleetwood,(give them credit), defended like the Champions elect they are.

But the goal didn`t come so next Saturday sees the second leg at Lairds where we hope to be at full strength and we will be looking for our second appearance in a Final this season.

Lairds team:- Leon Bimpson; Derek Ward(capt); Andy Pew: Anthony Sheehan: Anthony Lynch; Eddie Jebb; John Collins: James McCoy; Jamie McGuire; Aaron Rey; John Morgan. Subs played- John Couch; Tim Bigland; John Johnson.

C.ROSS-BAR

 

Match Report- Division 2 Trophy Final, Cammell Laird 4 Flixton 0 played at Trafford F.C., Thursday 31st March 2005

Cammell Laird won their first ever trophy in the Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties League, with a very convincing display against a very game Flixton side.

Lairds attacked right from the start, looking for an early goal,- and after several near misses, it was Ronnie Morgan who gave Lairds a deserved lead after only nine minutes. Good, close control enebled him to beat the Flixton defence, and slot a firm shot low to the keeper`s right. A great start for Lairds, who were only rarely bothered at the back, Leon Bimpson making one of his few saves to keep out a cross- goal header.

However, it was Ronnie Morgan`s second, after 20 minutes or so, which kept Lairds in control of the game. Vaguely similar to his first goal, Ronnie cut in from the left and slammed the ball past the keeper to score his 47th goal of the season!

Flixton were making it a very competitive match, but Laird`s defence held firm up to the half –time break.

After the break, the match continued in much the same vein, with Lairds taking the initiative and looking for more goals to kill off any thoughts of a Flixton fightback.

Jamie McGuire effectively sealed the game with a penalty in the last 15 minutes, and then scored a wonderful goal after a break sown the right,- his cross- shot giving the keeper no chance!

Lairds won their first trophy in style,- with John Collins having an excellent game in midfield, and the whole defence looked solid. Everyone battled bravely, and now look forward to the two-legged League Cup semi- final ties against top of the first division team Fleetwood Town, this Saturday 2nd,and next Sat 9th April.

Lairds team- Leon Bimpson, Derek Ward(c), Andy Pew, Anthony Sheehan, Anthony Lynch, John Collins, Jamie McGuire, Eddie Jebb, Ronnie Morgan, James McCoy,

Ian Cooke. Subs played- John Morgan, Aaron Rey,John Couch.

 

26/03/05 Nelson F.C. 3 v Cammell Laird 3

http://www.nelsonfc.co.uk/

A great fight back from two goals down saw Nelson take a point from their game with table toppers Cammell Laird at Victoria Park on Saturday.

This was no mean feat against a side that looked a cut above the opposition which we have met so far this season.

The speed at which the visitors started the game threatened to blow the Blues away and the opening goal after only eight minutes seemed to set an ominous precedent.

Anthony Sheehan timed his run perfectly to meet James McCoy’s left wing cross and send a powerful header into the roof of the Nelson net past a helpless Billy Carrington.

Nelson stepped up their pace to match the visitors and Peter Corvino’s free kick into the penalty area created danger before Paul Barrett’s run and shot had the Cammell Laird defence in trouble.

The equaliser soon came when a high ball was knocked into the goalmouth from the left wing and Neil Chapman challenged the keeper who failed to get a positive contact and Chapman was able to turn quickly and blast a shot into the top corner of the net.

The referee Mr Lamb took time to consult his assistant on the line before awarding the goal which levelled the scores at 1-1 after 14 minutes.

The pace was fast and furious which seemed to favour Cammell Laird’s style of play and after 21 minutes the visitors again took the lead. Jamie McGuire slipped through the Nelson defence and scored with a low shot from inside the penalty area.

Five minutes later Nelson had a let off when Ian Cooke struck the home crossbar with a dipping twenty yard shot but Robbie Smith pulled his shot just past the post at the other end after Jason Jones had created the opening.

Billy Carrington made a spectacular save to turn James McCoy’s shot over the bar before Cammell Laird keeper Leon Bimpson was at full stretch to keep out another low shot by Robbie Smith as play swung from end to end.

Nelson had claims for a penalty waved away when a visiting defender appeared to handle the ball and, on the stroke of half time, Jason Jones’ cross gave Neil Chapman a clear chance in front of goal but his half hit shot was cleared off the goal line by John Collins as Nelson pressed for an equaliser.

Ten minutes into the second half the Blues were dealt a devastating blow when they appeared to have cleared the danger from a corner kick only to see Jamie McGuire blast an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from just outside the penalty area to put the visitors 3-1 ahead.

With little change in the next ten minutes, a double substitution was made with Craig Bradshaw and Martin Brown being brought on and immediately Nelson’s fortunes changed.

Peter Corvino instigated a good move from midfield finding Paul Barrett wide on the left who exchanged passes with Robbie Smith before beating keeper Leon Bimpson with an angled shot to reduce the arrears to 3-2 after 65 minutes.

Cammell Laird’s attacks were becoming more frantic and some good goalkeeping by Billy Carrington plus some excellent defending by Nelson kept them at bay before the Blues conjured up another goal.

Paul Barrett’s cross from the left wing was stopped by a defender’s hand in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot without hesitation. Barrett converted the penalty confidently to level the scores at 3-3 after 77 minutes and the Blues were back on course.

Some desperate attacking by Cammell Laird in the closing stages brought no reward as they could not find a way past a resolute Nelson defence now strengthened by the addition of Duncan Bennett from the subs bench.

A good result for the Blues from a match in which their players raised their game to compete with a side good enough for a higher standard of football.

Cammell Laird Res 3 v 2 Capenhurst Villa
Wirral Senior Cup, semi-final.

Cammell Laird Reserves progressed to their second final of the season with victory over a very game and generally young Capenhurst Villa side. After a bright opening, Lairds took the lead after 10 minutes when a stinging left- footed shot from Tim Bigland was too fierce for the Capenhurst keeper to hold, and John Morgan was on hand to open the scoring. Capenhurst came more and more into the game and gave Lairds` back line many problems and it was no surprise when a mistake on the edge of the box was pounced upon and Capenhurst levelled the score.

Lairds were somewhat laboured in their efforts, and were often second best to the enthusiastic youngsters of Capenhurst who ran through our midfield and back four with ease. Before the half time whistle, Capenhurst took the lead with a very simple and well worked goal, leaving red faces in the Lairds` defence.

The half-time pep talk seemed to work, as from the start, Lairds began to play with more authority, passed the ball more, and kept a lot more possession than in the first half. Apart from isolated forays into the Lairds` half, almost all of the game was now being played at the Capenhurst end, and a goal looked highly probable.

Indeed when John Morgan scored his, and his side`s second, it seemed like just rewards for the continued pressure on the Capenhurst defence.

With Lairds now looking for the winner, and Capenhurst threatening to break away and settle it, the issue looked to be decided when John Morgan was brought down in the penalty area, and a very `certain` penalty was awarded to Lairds. John Morgan stepped up to score the winner, and his hat-trick, and hit a very firm, low shot,- hard and to the keeper`s right:- but the keeper got his body behind it and made what was an excellent save! Luckily for Lairds, Mike Shutt was more aware than anyone else on the park and was more alert to the possibility of a rebound- he raced in and slammed the ball in from a very acute angle at the right of the goal!

This really took the wind out of Capenhurst`s sails and although they battled on to the end, it was a deserved win for Lairds- taking them into the final of the Wirral Senior Cup (as the holders) to be played at Tranmere Rovers` Prenton Park sometime to be arranged.

This was a great win and coupled with the appearance in the Final of the Cheshire Amateur Cup should keep the interest and enthusiasm going right until the end of the season.

Lairds team: John Gann; Joe Gibbons; Paul Tosney; Dave Bennett; Tim Bigland; John Johnson; Kevin Bimpson; Mick Rimmer; Dave Byrne (capt); Alex Bishop;

John Morgan. Subs played;- Mike Shutt; Frank Gibbons; Liam Croxteth. Subs not playing:- Sean Holmes; Kevin Pearson.

C.Ross-Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silsden 1- 2 Cammell Laird
Second Division Trophy semi-final first leg.

Laird`s first ever visit to the Keighley Cougars` Stadium proved to be a great day out, made even more so by the brilliant win away from home in this first leg of the Division`s Trophy. League positions suggest that these two teams may well be playing each other in the First Division next season and if they can both show the spirit and effort they produced in this match then they will both more than hold their own.

On a very bumpy, bobbly pitch it was hard for Lairds to get their normal passing game going, and chances were at a premium. Good saves from both keepers kept the game even until just before half time, when the Silsden keeper pulled off a magnificent diving save to his right and after the ball was cleared the referee gave one of his many strange decisions- he gave Lairds a corner. it clearly wasn`t a corner,- perhaps he was trying to make up for the fact that he should have given a free kick to us on the edge of the box(but didn`t) . However, with almost the last touch of the half, John Collins came up for the corner and scored a great header that bulleted in to the bottom corner to give Lairds the lead right on half time!

SEE > FROM THE WEBMASTER WITHOUT FEAR NOR FAVOUR

The second half saw Silsden attacking their favoured end and Laird`s attacks were petering out on the edge of their box. It was no real surprise when their sub scored to make the game level - constant pressure by Silsden, bombarding the Laird`s goal had finally paid off.

So now we had an even more competitive game on the go! Lairds had already got the vital away goal, (EUFA rules here for this competition!), and were now looking to go on and win it!

The turning point for Lairds was the introduction of the sub, Aaron Rey. Aaron changed the game, with his strong running and close control. Ian Cooke, who had a great game, dropped into midfield and continued his dominance in the air and we looked good for another goal. The goal came after 80 minutes or so, when Ronnie Morgan raced into the box,to be poleaxed by a defender- a definite penalty,-everyone stopped, all the players knew the score- it was a solid gold penalty - BUT- the Ref, who was about 5 yards from the incident, unbelievably waved play on. The goal was scored in what seemed to be slow motion - Aaron Rey had the ball in the six yard box but had stopped,- the Silsden goalkeeper had stopped and was no doubt thinking about the penalty he was sure he would face,- the defenders and attackers had stopped,-and there was Aaron Rey with the ball at his feet six yards out! The screams from the line had changed from “penalty” to “shoot”, and luckily Aaron reacted quicker than anyone else and slotted the winner into the corner of the net!

A very tense few minutes followed with several more questionable decisions from the referee but when the final whistle went it was a relieved Lairds side who came off the pitch knowing they had been in a battle.

Silsden fancy their chances at Lairds, and think they can pull back the deficit. It should be a good contest then, as Lairds fancy themselves on a good pitch where they can play their passing game!

One thing is for certain,- the tie isn`t over yet!

Lairds team:- Leon Bimpson, Derek Ward (capt), John Collins, Anthony Sheehan, Anthony Lynch, Eddie Jebb, John Couch, Jamie McGuire, Ronnie Morgan, Ian Cooke,

James McCoy. Subs played- Aaron Rey, Phil Salmon, Alex Bishop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cammell Laird 4 v 1 Ashton Town

Tues 8th March, NWCL Div 2.

Cammell Laird took all 3 points (comfortably in the end), winning 4-1, although the match was looking good for Ashton Town in the first half, who matched everything Lairds had to offer. The first 20 minutes saw Ashton`s spirit and endevour rewarded with a goal to put them ahead, (and not against the run of play)- with Ashton looking the better side!

A re-jigged Lairds side took half an hour to get going, and it was “Rocket” Ronnie Morgan who restored parity with his 43rd goal of the season. Shortly before half time the Referee denied Lairds what looked like a solid-gold penalty shout when Eddie Jebb was chopped down in the six-yard box!- not the first of very many questionable/strange decisions made in the game.

After half time Lairds improved both their shape and their play, and it was no surprise when Aaron Rey scored the second after an hour- this was Laird`s 99th League goal of the season, and at last it looked like we would see the magic 100th! When the milestone goal came five minutes later, it brought applause from all sections of the ground! It was a goal fit for any occasion- a high ball towards the back post, where Ian Cooke resembled a rugby union line-out jumper with assistance, (but no assistance here, just his own power!)- and headed in a truly magnificent goal from 10 yards or so! Marvellous!-what an effort, and worthy of any record book!

Lairds then relaxed and started to play some controlled football, (at last), as they took command in the last 20 minutes. Alex Bishop came on as sub, and topped a fine performance with a great solo goal which effectively killed the game.

Lairds team:- Leon Bimpson, Derek Ward(capt), Mike Reeves, Anthony Sheehan, John Collins, Eddie Jebb,

Jamie McGuire, Ronnie Morgan, Aaron Rey, Ian Cooke, James McCoy.

Subs-(all played), Alex Bishop, Kevin Bimpson, Phil Salmon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oldham Town 2 v 4 Cammell Laird