Reds Reserves resumed their Lancashire League campaign after two months inactivity and three priceless points vindicated the decision to play the game.
They had slumped to the bottom of the table, after the victory over Burscough was expunged from the records, but this welcome win will improve their lowly position.
Stephen Hindmarch was expected to play some part in the game but Darren Edmondson opted not to risk him and both trained with the first team squad at Borough Park instead.
There was one new face in the Reserves’ line-up, however, with Paul Nicholson making his debut in midfield. The former Morecambe youngster, who has also played in America recently, enjoyed a fine ninety minutes and marked the occasion with a cracking goal.
Formby had taken the lead with a fine goal of their own after fourteen minutes with Carl Peers finding the top corner of the net from fully twenty-five yards. It was a deserved reward following an enterprising opening from the visitors. They should have doubled their advantage soon after from the penalty spot. George Close was adjudged to have handled in the area but Michael MacRooney failed to convert from twelve yards with his shot striking the crossbar.
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Jordan Lee |
Newcomer Nicholson then got Reds back on track when he scored on the half hour. He thumped home the equaliser from just outside the box to regain parity at the break.
Nicholson was also involved in the build-up to Reds’ second after sixty-two minutes when Jordan Lee nonchalantly chipped the Formby ‘keeper, Karl Campbell, from close range.
Two minutes later, Reds completed the recovery when Andrew Bromley’s diving header, via Dan Gullen’s tempting cross, found the corner of the net. |
Andrew Bromley |
Gallant Formby battled away, though, and grabbed a last minute consolation goal. A low cross from the left was deflected past his own ‘keeper by Dan McDermott at the near post but there was hardly time to restart the game before the referee blew for time.
An indifferent first half, a much improved second and three points in the bag – the perfect tonic to counter a bitterly cold evening.
The Reserves are next in action at second-placed Fleetwood Town on Monday.
Team: Lee Jolly, Dan McDermott, Greg Mitchell, Craig Johnston (Simon Bragg), George Close, Paul Nicholson, Lee McCullough, Adam Main, Jordan Lee (Gareth Brunton), Andrew Bromley, Dan Gullen.