Brave Crosfields lost out to fourth placed Cadishead in a pulsating match at Hood Manor Recreation Ground. The last time the sides met Crosfields were given a 9-1 hammering but this time things were much different.
Experimenting with a new formation, Crosfields battled from the start but fell two goals behind on the break. However, they continued to play well, Matt Brough denied by a good stop from the Cadishead ‘keeper. Then before half time Crosfields pulled a goal back. Lewis Tarpey rounded the keeper but his cross was partially cleared only for Ashley Ward to whip it back in, and Tarpey volleyed home. There seemed to be a lot of belief and determination in the home side, despite their horrific run of results – only 1 win from 13 games prior to this.
In the second half, a soft goal gave Cadishead a two goal cushion but again Crosfields refused to give in. Matt Brough fought his way through the visitors’ defence before firing past the ‘keeper under pressure from a defender. This set up a thrilling finish but a terrible defensive error by James Gordon eventually cost Crosfields the game. The ball slipped under the full back’s foot, and the Cadishead number 9 finished at the near post, although ‘keeper Scott Smith will be disappointed he couldn’t have done better. However, Crosfields were not out of it. A corner was won, and Nick Holte’s delivery was flapped at by the Cadishead ‘keeper and bravely Ian Pye stuck his head in their to find the top corner for his first goal of the season. With just six minutes left on the clock, Crosfields were running out of time to find an equaliser. It just wasn’t to be and Crosfields went down despite a spirited display, and they seem to have a positive path ahead of them at last.
