Davenham Shaw are the Real Deal as Hilly Ensures Win
Davenham last played Egerton Tatton in a pulsating cup encounter which Davenham edged 2:1. Since then both teams have strengthened and recently claimed 1st Division scalps; another close match was eagerly anticipated by both teams. Davenham took the early encounters and looked to put Tatton under pressure with their speedy attacking play. With less than 10 minutes on the clock, Shaw won a thumping tackle on the half way line and carried the ball forward before releasing an inch perfect pass behind the defence for the in form Drinkwater to collect. There was still much work to be done and a cool finish was just reward for Drinkwater who has now notched up a goal in all three of the u15s games to date. Great work Drinky! Davenham continued to stick to their game plan, keep the ball on the floor, keeping two banks of 4 when play broke down, and releasing on the floor to try and utilise their pacey attack of Drinkwater, Kennerley, Hodnett and Heaword - by enlarge this worked. Kirkness and Shaw were clearly relishing the physical encounter in midfield as were the Tatton team, as an enthralling game developed, competitive yet fair. Further chances were limited to half chances for both teams, until after 25 minutes, Kennerley broke past the defence and unusually for the record goal scorer, was unlucky not to convert a one on one with the keeper. The good news was that Davenham were starting to turn the screw. However, for the second game in a row, Davenham demonstrated indecision in the back four which let in Tatton for a well taken equaliser - 1:1. There were no further clear cut chances as both teams cancelled each other out and 1:1 was how it remained at half time.
With a few half time tactical changes, Davenham took to the field full of confidence, evidenced by an awesome pacey run by Hodnett who beat three players before unleashing a cannonball of a shot which beat the keeper but curled inches beyond the upright. Again, chances were few and far between and really limited to set pieces. Whitney stepped up after 60 minutes and a trademark 30 yard freekick proved too hot for the Tatton stopper to handle. 2:1 to the Davenhamers and the home crowd celebrated. The Davenham defence of Hill, Whitney, Wadsworth, Burrows and later Antrobus held Egerton at bay for the remainder of the game. Dufty and Wadsworth later moved into attack and following great technical play and workrate from Dufty, Wadsworth beat his marker, to go one on one with the keeper, before thumping a powerful shot inches over the bar. And so the game finished with a 2:1 win for Davenham. It was a close encounter where Davenham demonstrated some really great football and the division one newcomers now finish the Summer with 5 wins out of 6. Maybe the winning margin could have been more if goal scoring opportunities had been converted and the one defensive mistake avoided - but that's football, hey?Everyone wishes Egerton Tatton well and look forward to the next time they play each other. Good luck to Pat and the Tatton families. MOTM was shared between Shaw and Hill for their all action midfield display and uncompromising defending respectively.
