Played on the hallowed Middlewich FC turf, both Middlewich and Davenham made big contributions to an enthralling District Cup match. Playing against a team riding high in the first division and more than that a team which has won the 2nd division two years running, the Davenham hotshots started as underdogs and knew they were in for a tough match, making their debut in the District Cup.
However a huge credit to the new mid Cheshire outfit for a superb performance which took the game right to the wire. The gold men exhibited a never say day attitude which will see them well when they return to their league campaign.
Davenham gained much praise from the opposition management and referee alike. Interviewed after the game, the referee (Dennis) remarked, its always a pleasure to referee Davenham, a nice team, and what a super game it was. Not much in todays game and it would have been exciting if Davenham could have taken one of their chances late on in the game.
Middlewich took the lead with a superbly struck freekick, before Captain Kennerley equalised from the spot. Hazzer Kirkness who played superbly throughout hit a wonderful strike after 25 minutes and Kennerley latched onto a dropped ball only to strike straight at the keeper. 1:1 at half time and a fair reflection of both sides first halfs efforts. The game had many twists and turns and a conceded penalty seemed a little like rough justice for all Davenhams hard work. 2:1 to Middlewich. However, the Davenham boys stuck to their task and Drinkwater scored a great goal, sprinting beyond the defence to equalise 2:2.
Unfortunately Middlewich struck back with an excellent volleyed execution from Hazzer Fairweather and despite further chances at both ends, there were no further goals.
And so the Gold men bowed out of the District Cup but not without leaving the reigning 2nd division champions knowing that they had been in a full bloodied, exciting cup match which wasnt over until the final whistle went.
Good luck to Nathan and the Middlewich team you played really well today and probably just edged a well fought match.The Davenhamers are still smiling (see picture) and bring on the Cuddington!!
Great game of football that was full of excitement. Very well executed penalties from both sides , a superb free-kick and great volley from Middlewich and a tidy finish from Davenham not to mention the heroics from the Davenham keeper and a header off the woodwork! Superb end to end cup match that Middlewich deservedly won but full credit to Davenham who never stopped through the entire 70 minutes.
Cheers Anon. Quite agree, it was a great game. A little too open for my liking ;0) but exciting nonetheless. Middlewich deserve their place in the next round, but I think Davenham did make a really a good game of it. Hopefully we can get a friendly before next season!?!
