Barrow Reserves 2 - 1 Workington Reserves
Wednesday 28th October 2009
This was a classic game of two halves with Reds producing their poorest display of the season throughout the first forty-five minutes yet serving up an outstanding display after the break.
Perhaps it had something to do with their lack of activity over a six week break or the late arrival at the ground due to an accident on the outskirts of Barrow. Whatever the reason, they were way off the pace and Barrow enjoyed the most comfortable first half they have probably experienced all season.
Reds had been given an early warning that the hosts were in the mood when James Bryden saved well to deny Jordan Brough’s well hit shot then Olly Clarke headed narrowly wide via an accurate Brough cross.
It was only a matter of time before they opened the scoring and the inevitable happened in the 26th minute. Chris Lowe was allowed time and space some thirty yards from goal and he placed his shot into the top corner with Bryden helpless.
Eight minutes later, Adam Browne was allowed a free header inside the box to double Barrow’s lead with Reds’ in disarray following a free-kick from Steve Thompson.
It was a different story after the break, however, with Reds purposeful from the off. They were closing down the opposition, winning tackles, finding a red shirt with their passing and creating chances – all of which had been lacking earlier.
Barry Armfield’s header lacked power to seriously trouble the Barrow ‘keeper Adam Nicholson but it was Reds first attempt on goal. The same player then rounded Nicholson but was thwarted by Thompson’s perfectly timed tackle. Adam Main did have the ball in the Barrow net but the ‘goal’ was rightly disallowed for an earlier offside.
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Jordan Lee |
Then, on 63 minutes, Reds reduced the arrears with a ‘goal-of-the-season’ contender. Simon Bragg fed the ball to Jordan Lee on the half-way line and he made good progress before a measured, curling shot found the net from a similar distance to Barrow’s first half opener.
Bryden saved well to deny Brough in a rare Barrow attack but most of the chances were being created at the other end of the pitch. |
Andrew Bromley |
Greg Mitchell had a well hit shot saved, Lee McCullough’s header via Andrew Bromley’s free-kick just cleared the bar and then McCullough saw Nicholson save another attempt on goal. Main also had a decent opportunity but his effort was way off target.
An equaliser eluded Reds, though, and they were left to reflect on what might have been but for that inept first half showing.
Andrew Bromley and Jordan Lee were probably Reds’ best on the night but giving the opposition a two-goal start is not recommended.
Team: James Bryden, Dion Barnes (Simon Bragg), Sam Smith (Jake Smith), Dan McDermott, George Close, Lee McCullough, Dan Gullen, Adam Main, Barry Armfield (Greg Mitchell), Andrew Bromley, Jordan Lee.
The Reserves are next in Lancashire League action on Wednesday (4/11) at Burscough followed by a home game v. Fleetwood Town on Thursday 12th November.