Heaven n Hel-sby  but Davenham keep that winning feeling!

Davenham (4:3) Helsby  (Kennerley (2), Hill, Whitney)

With players recalled from extended leave to cover injuries (get well soon Ed!) and unavailability, Davenham welcomed Mid Cheshire new comers, Helsby FC to a packed Moss Farm arena. With the Davenham faithful travelling from faraway places such as Newcastle, Warrington and Cuddington, a footballing spectacle was anticipated.  It was especially great to see an injured Ed Shaw supporting his team mates from the sideline.

Davenham have an impressive home record having lost just the one game in 12 months of football and set about the game with pace and desire. Having forced several corners, and chances; the best fell to Dufty who was close to converting an outstanding threaded pass from Kennerley. Then after 7 minutes, a Hodnett floated corner was met by man-mountain, Hill who thumped a great header into the back of the net. 1:0 to the Davenhamers but a nasty looking ankle twist meant that Hodnett had to be withdrawn from play. Davenham continued to look very dangerous though. A further goal was disallowed for offside and Rogerson had a beautiful curled shot thumped against the cross bar. With 20 minutes gone, Davenham looked to be well on top, but Helsby were growing in confidence. Against the run of play, a Helsby cross was met by a run from deep and a nice header brought the visitors level. 1:1. This sucker punch seemed to knock the stuffing out of Davenham and all of a sudden the communication stopped, the work rate dropped and the desire to close down the Helsby attack was below expectation. It was much deserved as the Helsby midfielder hit a shot from distance which rocketed into the top corner. 1:2 and Davenham were reeling.  Halftime couldnt come quick enough for the Davenham gaffer. The Goldmen couldve been comfortably in the lead but instead faced an uphill battle if they were to extend their winning streak to seven consecutive wins. Helsby realised they were making life difficult for the league champions!

With several half time changes (it wouldve been more if there had been subs available); the lads untypically had a rather blunt half time team talk. The last 20 minutes called for desire and a change in formation.

Credit to the Davenham, they came out resurgent in the second half, with Kennerley and Drinkwater both going close. It looked like it was only a matter of time before an equaliser would be scored...............then an unnecessary penalty was conceded. Danno stood strong in goal and saved superbly to keep the Goldmen in the game. Great work Danno and also lets recognise the sporting gesture from the Helsby No.5 who having missed a pen was first to congratulate the Davenham stopper.  (appreciated Helsby!).Davenham were now winning the 50-50 tackles and a rampant Kennerley burst through the defence only to be felled by the Helsby keeper. PENALTY! The talismanic hotshot made no mistake from the spot, 2:2 and the game was now wide open. From the off Davenham sensed there were more goals in the game. The manager was working hard to keep 11 players on the pitch as several players picked up injuries and knocks. Kennerley once more breeched the Helsby defence before being felled for a second time. With Kennerley still receiving treatment, Luke Whitters stepped up and crashed the penalty straight through the onion bag 3:2 to Davenham. It looked like this would be enough to take the game, before Helsby hit a 3^rd an identical shot to their second goal and Davenham guilty of not closing down on the edge of the box.  It felt like it was one of those nights where we saw the best and the worst of the homeboys.  3:3.

If nothing else Davenham have got strength in character and they continued to work at their game. Hodnett sprung into life down the right flank, Kennerley continued to look head and shoulders above the rest and Drinkwater looked a handful for Helsby.  Antrobus had a second goal disallowed for Davenham other players offside. Hodnett hit a daisycutter inches wide, Drinkwater hit the bar, Kennerley hit the bar, Kirkness screwed a goalbound shot just past the post, Wadsworth had a screamer of a shot saved off the line, Whitney had a powerful shot tipped around the post. The Davenham play wasnt the best, but the chances kept popping up. In fact Davenham probably saved their best football for the last 15 minutes, led by Kennerley, Drinkwater and Hodnett and finally the diminutive Kennerley beat two players before hitting an excellent unstoppable shot into the bottom corner. 4:3 and game won!!

On the downside, we didnt see the free flowing football we wouldve liked and uncharacteristically the usual verve was not evident, but on the plus side Davenham still continued to make chances  and notched up their seventh straight win.  We picked up numerous injuries on the night and showed the value of a large squad.  Stitch, Drinkwater and Heawood all came off the bench to make a positive impact on a scrappy game.

We welcome Chris C and the Helsby team back to Mid Cheshire and wish them nothing but good look in the new season; Mid Cheshire is better for their involvement;  finally thanks to the ref, Joe who commanded the game well and showed conviction in making the big decisions.

.......and so a  busy few days ahead for Davenham, training with Walsall on Friday, Alton Towers on Saturday and then the final pre season friendly on Sunday versus local rivals, Northwich Victoria. The season is nearly here; lets hope we see more Heaven than Hell!!!!

.....Wadsworth was unavailable for comment after the game.

Assists: Hodnett

MOTM: Kennerley- welcome back TJ!

Clean Sheets:

-- Edited by chris wad on Wednesday 29th of August 2012 09:57:19 PM