On a bright Halloween weekend, the Davenham hotshots welcomed their friends and rivals, Northwich Victoria to the hallowed Moss Farm arena for a mouth-watering 2nd Round League Cup clash. With a last 8 place at stake both sides traded early blows. Unlike Davenhams recent form the early football was a little scrappy. It was far from a nightmare start, but the league leaders were guilty of giving possession away a little too cheaply. More composure was needed as chances were few and far between for either side in the opening fifteen minutes.
A hopeful pass was pump(kin)ed into the Northwich penalty area and Drinkwater, under pressure won a towering header. Whitney was quickest to react and followed up with a cleverly placed header into the bottom corner 1:0 to the Davenhamers. Much to the Northwich horror, the Whitney goal sprung fresh impetus into the Gold mens game plan; A brave last ditch tackle from man mountain, Antrobus regained possession and good work from Buzzer Burrows allowed Wadsworth to play in Kennerley down the right flank. The pacey talismanic midfielder stretched the Northwich defence before being crudely brought to the floor. Kennerley stepped up for the freekick and spotting the keepers position in ghouls, curled a 25 yarder into the top corner. A spooktacular freekick and 2:0 to the mighty gold men. Davenham were now into full stride and were taking advantage of some unbelievable Greenwood throw-ins. The Davenham defensive machine of Hill, Antrobus, Forster and Greenwood once more looked strong and Northwich were limited to just one first half chance. First half changes were made to strengthen the Davenham cause with Stitch exhibiting some wonderful short ball, pass and move football from right defence great work Matty. An excellent pass from Harrison the hitman Kirkness found Drinkwater, who not for the first time managed to get into the danger area and thump a great header goal bound. This time he found the back of the net and the home crowd erupted; however the goal was disallowed for an infringement. The halftime whistle went with Davenham now well on top.
Half time team talk was all about composure and maintaining a high energy performance for the remaining 35 minutes and the dream team set about executing their plan.
Drinkwater immediately found Whitney who powered a great strike beyond the Northwich stopper. 3:0 to the Davenham and this effectively killed off the opposition cup aspirations. Five minutes later, great work from the in form Lonsdale found Whitney, who in turn found Rogerson, who ghosted in past the defence to poke a goal beyond the advancing keeper. 4:0.
This was quickly followed by the move of the game, at least a dozen passes before the hitman unleashed a ferocious shot inches over the bar what a goal that wouldve been, Hazzer!! Wadsworth demon-strated his usual combatitive game and cheekily played the ball, through his markers legs to Kennerley, who (not for the first time this season), beat three players before sliding the ball into the back of the onion bag. He tricked his way forward before treating his loyal supporters to yet another wonder goal! (see what I did there the roving reporter!).This was quickly becoming exhibition football from the Mid Cheshire maestros. Whitney saved his best until last to complete his hatrick, showing great technical ability with a superbly executed volley. However credit to Northwich, they were still battling and a long range effort was tipped over the bar by Wallwork. Likewise Greenwood used his electric pace to quell a promising Northwich attack ensuring a third clean sheet in the last three games. There was still time for Rogerson to have a goal disallowed (we think it was for offside maybe?) before completing his brace. He left the Northwich stopper not knowing witch way to dive, Davenham in seventh Heaven and a January quarter final clash to look forward to. Welcome back Joe Rog who came back to the fold to impress following long term injury and special mention to the Hill inspired defence thats nine games and only 4 goals conceded!!!
A satisfying 7:0 win for the Dyanmoes, on a day when we also had two disallowed and yet another clean sheet good effort boys!
MOTM: Whitney (Hatrick hero, clean sheet and an assist nuff said!) Assists: Drinkwater (2), Wadsworth, Whitney Clean Sheets: Wallwork, Hill, Greenwood, Antrobus, Whitney, Stitch, Burrows, Forster)
-- Edited by chris wad on Monday 31st of October 2011 07:19:45 PM
