Davenham Pride as Captain Kennerley Gives Winsford the Blues

Winsford Junior Blues (1:2) Davenham Dynamoes (Kennerley, Kirkness). The mighty men in gold and black travelled to Knights Grange for a daunting match against the division two leaders, Winsford Junior Blues a match which called for a different formation and tactics. The 2nd division heavy weights traded early blows, with Junior Blues having joy with pace down both flanks, as Davenham looked to hit their opposition on the break. Stitch and Rogerson both won more than their share of the ball and both strikers went close with half chances. Davenham rode their luck and with Sam Antrobus picking up the man marker role, Greenwood, Hill and Burrows held their defensive line well, rarely missing a tackle nor interception. Then after 20 minutes, the outstanding Kennerley latched onto a free ball in midfield. Demonstrating outstanding technique he rifled in a 30 yarder with his right foot top corner and the Davenham travelling army erupted 1:0. The remainder of the first half was an edgy affair, with Junior Blues always looking dangerous. Whitney added resilience to the Dynamoes defence and thanks to a defensive acrobatic scissors kick on his own line from Wadsworth it looked like the Dynamoes would hold firm. Drinkwater, Kirkness and Wadsworth made tackle after tackle while Captain Kennerley marshalled the team and sprayed quality balls to Stitch and Rogerson who looked dangerous throughout. Then with five minutes to go, Winsford unlocked the defence to hit a well taken goal. Dynamoes still had time to have one cleared off the line, with Rogerson and Kennerley linking well. 1:1 at HT. A rousing halftime team talk from the management and there was a new belief in the team that the game was there for the taking. With great discipline and self belief Davenham played some delightful football, looking to put into practice the pass and move football they have tried so hard at in training. After 45 minutes Wallwork (who's handling was exemplary throughout) made an athletic save and this sprung fresh impetus into the gold and black machine. Heawood added pace and guile to the attack and looked to expose the Winsford defence on numerous occasions, linking up well with Lonsdale who provided quality on the ball. Awarded a freekick, Whitney stepped up to take it. His goalbound shot struck the wall, but credit to the new recruit, he chased the ball down, won back possession and crossed for Kirkness who leapt highest to power a bullet header into the back of the onion bag. 1:2 and Dynamoes were flying. Further pressure for Davenham and as Antrobus stuck to the game plan, Hill remained impassable at the back is there a better defender in Mid Cheshire? Forster provide fresh legs and chased down every free ball as Davenham played out a tense last ten minutes. The final whistle went and a very very good 2:1 win for the Davenham Heroes. There were many candidates for MOTM, all the boys who covered the defensive position, Drinkwater in midfield but Kennerley took the plaudits as his performance, energy, intelligence and goal of the season contender was simply on another planet! It's also right to respect our opponents who supported well from the touchline and looked to play football at every opportunity. I'm sure both teams can't wait for the next encounter.

MOTM: Kennerley (simply the best on a day when the whole team excelled). Assists: Whitney. Clean Sheets: Whitney.