Full of confidence from a previous good weeks training and match the Goldmen travelled to Kingsley to face one of the 1st division front-runners, Frodsham. Fuelled with hot drinks courtesy of Sarah Dufty, supplied at very competitive prices (great work Sarah), the Davenham travelling army settled into places for what was expected to be a tough yet exciting encounter.
The early exchanges were really quite open. Frodsham made good progress down the right flank and created a couple of half chances while the pacey Hodnett continued to impress down the right flank with electric pace, before narrowly shooting wide. Kirkness and Shaw asserted their authority in the centre of the park, protecting the back four who settled down after an edgy start. With 16 minutes on the clock, Kirkness broke down the Frodsham attack and released Kennerley who smashed a wonder goal, curled into the top corner an absolute peach of a goal, which will leave the Davenham faithful drooling for some time.1:0 to the Davenhamers.Although Davenham looked to be on top of the match, Frodsham broke with pace down their right flank and unleashed a cross which Davenham struggled to clear. The Frodsham no. 11 latched onto the loose ball and smashed an equalizer into the roof of the net. 1:1 and game on! However the Davenham talismanic striker was in no mood to settle for second best. He took the ball beyond the Frodsham defence and struck another quality goal into the bottom corner. 2 to Davenham and 2 to Kennerley.Confidence seemed to ooze through the Goldmen. The defence of Antrobus, Whitney, Hill and Heaword held firm, while the pace of Rogerson, Hodnett, Kennerley and Drinkwater caused the homeboys plenty of problems. Although starting the game as underdogs, Davenham dictated the remainder of the first half to take the game to half time, leading 2:1.
With no substitutions at half time, Davenham concentrated on consolidating their game, avoiding the usual post half time lull. This worked a treat, as not only did Davenham hold firm, they extended their lead as Kennerley bagged his hatrick. 3:1. Wallwork looked very composed in goals making a couple of quality saves, until after 53 minutes a long range effort dipped under the bar to bring Frodsham back into the game. Two minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty, which was dispatched away coolly for a 3:3 scoreline.
Davenham certainly werent finished. In form Dufty, played some lovely passes to the strikers and it was following a quality Dufty Kennerley Drinkwater move that Drinkwater rattled the post with a powerful drive. Oooh so close! Although working hard, it seemed that luck and decisions werent running for Davenham, until man mountain Shaw popped up in the penalty box to thump the ball home for his first goal for the club and what turned out to be a fitting winner. 4:3 to the Goldmen. Mobbed by his team mates, Shaw had the biggest smile in Kingsley.
The roving reporter spoke to a buoyant Wadsworth after the game, yeah the lads did well. We know we have more to offer in terms of pass and move football, but the points were important proud of the lads for their battling display.Wadsworth was unavailable for further comment as he was rushed away for an impromptu meeting with the Davenham board.
Next week, its Cheshire Cup and Spurley Hey, away. Dont forget your passports, were in Stockport. Man of the Match went to Kirkness who broke down the Frodsham play, time and time again. Great work, Hitman!
