Reds’ Reserves miserable form in the Lancashire League continued on Thursday when they slipped to a fourth successive defeat against a decent City outfit.
There was a surprise inclusion in Steve Lee’s side with Barry Irving, (pictured left),making a welcome return to Borough Park. The popular centre-forward, a first team regular during the early Tommy Cassidy years, had a decent game and provided some much needed experience to a very young Reds’ team.
It was Irving, in fact, who had the first shot on target – twenty four minutes into the game. He found space inside the area and his angled drive forced City ‘keeper, David Rodgerson, into a fine diving save.
City responded through full-back, Jack Smith, who unleashed a fine left foot shot which just cleared the bar.
Jack Smith was wearing the number 2 shirt for City and the confusion was compounded by twins Jake and Sam Smith wearing 3 and 4 respectively for Reds.
The visitors opened the scoring after thirty-two minutes in somewhat fortunate fashion. Luke Atkinson sent in a cross from the right and, in attempting to clear, Dion Barnes deflected the ball into his own net. |
Gareth Brunton |
Within four minutes, though, Reds were level. Skipper Lee McCullough crossed from out wide, Rodgerson fumbled and Gareth Brunton benefitted by collecting the loose ball and tapping home from close range.
The comeback was short-lived, however, and City were back in front with a fine goal scored on the counter attack. Anthony Stayte provided the pass to the far post which Tom Killafin met to finish in style.
The young Reds saw plenty of the ball in the second half but City defended resolutely and countered quickly.
Brunton had a decent shot on target but was thwarted by an equally fine save from Rodgerson who then denied Richard Hoban with another stop.
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Sam Smith |