For the Second time in a week, Davenham and Vale Juniors locked horns; With Davenham previously earning their place in the District Cup Quarter Finals, this time 3 valuable League Division One points were at stake.Davenham had had six players poorly during the week, and at Fridays training, it was questionable as to whether the Goldmen would have a full team. Come match day, only Whitney and Heaword were unavailable, but with the district players taken down late with sickness, Davenham rejigged their starting 11.
Both teams anticipated another hard fought match and the early encounters provided half chances for both teams. With the heavy pitch and facing the hard tackling Vale, the under strength Davenham opted for a more direct approach than usual. This seemed to spur Davenham on and it was following a Vale tackle, that Kennerley stepped up to land a 30-yard free kick into the top corner. GOAL and 1:0 to the Davenhamers!. It was a magnificent strike, inch perfect and not for the first time this season, Davenham showed just how dangerous they are from the deadball. Welcome back Kenno, who had himself been poorly in the days leading up to the game.!!
Davenham tried a few ideas to upset the Vale defence and switching Hodnett and Dufty, reaped immediate rewards. Hodnett, continued with his good form, jinking inside his marker before unleashing a wicked low drive, which the Vale keeper saved with the inside of his leg. Ooohh so close. The Davenham defence of Wadsworth, Antrobus, Hill and Drinkwater remained strong and it was Davenham who looked the more likely to score as the game ebbed and flowed. Of note, Wadsworth earned hi 5th clean sheet in a row. Wallwork also left his mark on the game, with a wonderful acrobatic save to his right great work Danno!
So Davenham took a 1:0 lead into the interval, at which point the Davenham camp asked the Goldmen to keep the ball moving, be a little quicker to close down the Vale midfield and be prepared to drive into the box from the flanks.
It was also great to meet, ex Vale player and legend, Brian who came to chat to the Davenham coaches. Great to see you Brian and keep up the great work at Port Vale!!
Come the second half, Davenham continued to turn the screw with Kirkness and Shaw dominating midfield. Davenham really shouldve added 2 or 3 goals from shots from within the six-yard box. On the positive side, the mid Cheshire maestros were making the chances. And they get to practice their shooting skills before Middlewich at home ;0)
Unable to make the game safe, the referee awarded Vale a corner, which was subsequently thumped into the back of the Davenham net. On no, 1:1. And the Davenham touchline was reeling.Vale sensed that Davenham were vulnerable and applied further pressure to the Goldmen. Missing an early infringement, a penalty was awarded to Vale who made no mistake from the spot. It was all going so well for Davenham, but now at 1:2 down they were left to rue the earlier missed chances.
A somewhat deflated Davenham touchline really should have more faith in their players. Time and time again, theyd seen how hard work and team spirit had kept them in games (Junior Blues Win, Tranmere game, Frodsham win and more). Could Davenham do it again?
With 10 minutes to go, Kennerley provided a nice ball forward and a determined Hodnett steam rollered through the defence to power a bullet header into the net the Davenham line erupted, 2:2. Just believe boys!
From this point onwards, there was only going to be one winner. Greenwood returned to the fold from representing England athletics and hurled a throw into the six yard box. Stitchy was right on time, rising above the Vale defence to nod a header beyond the Vale keeper. 3:2 and the popular sticth was mobbed by players and coaches alike. Once wed all recovered from a 16 man pile on, the Davenham camp reflected that It may have only been 3 more points won, but it certainly felt like a cup win, due to the excitement of the game. Well done Davenham never say die boys!
A huge well done to both teams who entertained their fans with yet another close and exciting encounter. Commiserations to Vale, with Davenham wishing them the very best in the forthcoming Cheshire Cup match.
Well done to Kenno and Sammy A, but it was Hodnett who took the MOTM for his effort, application and for listening to the coachs feedback. It was Hodnetts tireless running to the back post which eventually landed the Davenham equalizer Good work fella.
