A simple game* So near, so far*

Regular readers of our Blog will attest that we like to use musical references to illuminate a touch of cultural diversity to our ramblings So in recognition of an exceptional day and match we offer not one but 2 titles to the report More of that later

The National Cup has been a polarising force for good for SHWFC this year We've played some good sides enjoyed a win (a first for our Club), a one-sided defeat Over 50s against Blackpool Senior Seasiders and epic match with today's Over 60s opponents Brunswick Old Boys from Bootle

We prepared for the game in good style with early decisions on selection and our line up made to enable SHWFC to field a very strong side We had a couple of injury cry-offs but such is our new found squad strength and ability we still felt we had a great chance to progress

The SHWFC Team was;

Dave Barrow, Andy Houghton (Capt), Martin Briggs, Allan Maldon, Tom Parr, Steve Forshaw, Phil Middleton, Geoff Painter and Colin Williams

Brunswick Old Boys;

Reg Watts, Simon Brett, Steve Hall, Steve Goodheart, Mark Swintonski, Kevin Melia, Arthur Small, Steve Hindley and Tosh Lyons

Referee - Les Lomax

A warm morning with a stiffening wind greeted the sides with the hosts settling first and applying some pressure with Parr Forshaw and Maldon testing Goodheart in the Green & Black goal Saints looked they would soon find the net such was their early control But Brunswick weathered the storm and looked to pass their way into contention with the excellent Lyons posing a threat with his movement and link up play Watts and Lyons kept the visitors in the hunt occupying Houghton & Briggs in the home defence Goodheart was the busier of the keepers but Barrow had to be sharp to keep the scoreline blank

The WFA appointed referee Les Lomax was at the top of his game too demonstrating a firm control with a minimum of fuss He let play flow with a calm manner and was always on top of proceedings

Brunswick grabbed the lead before half time when Lyons took advantage of the only space he'd been given to fire a fierce drive goalwards Barrow's reflex save took the sting out of the shot but he was powerless to prevent the backspin carrying the ball into the net just out of his grasp 0-1 to the visitors with arguably the first truly accurate shot on goal in 15 minutes play Saints stung into chasing the game were lively and patient setting up a number of half chances but all just off target

The second half and a series of tactical changes regenerated Saints with Painter assured at the back Williams a more direct threat with his movement Brunswick used their subs to take a measure of control of the clock They played a calm and disciplined style that thwarted the hosts Too often Saints found their space quickly closed down A series of free kicks close to the visitors goal were wasted or closed down by weight of numbers Colin Williams looked to have beaten the keeper with a shot across the goal but his effort rebounded to Goodheart and safety

Time expired with Maldon and Parr smashing efforts wide in truth watching was a painful reminder of the old maxim that its goals that win games So SHWFC can now focus on securing European (Wales is still a foreign country right?) football We do have the prospect of our Over 65s with an attractive home tie against Neston Nomads next week

At the end it was hand shakes all round and genuine respect for all involved The Referee was warmly applauded by all In truth it was an excellent match played with great sportsmanship by all The onlooking crowd (swollen with the arrival of groups of school kids for the second half) were warm with their praise

What good chaps we are!

A simple game* - The Four Tops

So near, so far* - Miles Davis (jazz on yar ass)