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Dawson, M.Conway

A tense struggle between two teams at the top of the division saw Villa edge it in the final minutes to record a deserved win from a close match.

Villa started well, immediately putting the visitors under pressure, they came close after five minutes when a long ball down the middle was headed on by Danny Dawson, but the ball was just missed by Damien Stewart. Next Mick Bradshaw tested the keeper with a long range shot after being set up by James O'Loughlin. The home side came very close a minute later. A quick
throw on the right by Matt Conway released Liam Conway, who forced the keeper to save at the foot of his near post.

The early stages of the game certainly belonged to the home side as they strived for a breakthrough. Danny Dawson was unlucky with a low shot just past the foot of the post. Poultons first effort on goal came after twenty two minutes with a header over the bar. Both sides were playing attractive football in a very entertaining contest. On thirty five minutes Villa were awarded a free kick midway in their opponents half, Matt Conway took the kick, but his effort was too high.

Poulton were getting stronger as the half progressed, and starting to push Villa back. They nearly took the lead on forty minutes, Ross Dickinson produced a great clearance, the ball fell to a Poulton forward who hit a fierce drive which Shaun Gibbs had to tip over the bar. Two minutes later Poulton put another shot over the bar. An entertaining first half finished all square with both sides feeling there was everything to play for.

As play resumed it was again Poulton who came close with a shot just wide of the post. Gradually Villa started to assert themselves. Sam Shone released Danny Dawson who forced the keeper to save for a corner. With an hour played Villa eventually made the breakthrough, it started with a ball down the centre being flicked on by Craig O'Neil, a Poulton defender tried a back pass to his keeper, but the ball was short, Danny Dawson was first to react turning the ball in past a stranded keeper.

This lifted Villa and they continued to press for a second, Damien Stewart attacked down the left, before forcing the keeper to turn his effort around the post. Villa were now back in control and keeping the game very tight. On eighty minutes Matt Conway tested the keeper with a good shot. At this point it looked as if Villa would comfortably see out the remaining time.

With five minutes remaining and against the run of play Poulton drew level, when the ball was turned in following a goalmouth scramble. To their credit Villa immediately went back on the attack. With two minutes remaining Matt Conway restored the lead when he was first to a ball in from the right, beating the keeper with a low shot. The match had been close, but Villa's
overall play justified the final score.

Team   -  Gibbs, Brown, O'Loughlin, Dickinson, Crombie, L.Conway, Bradshaw, ( O'Neil ) M.Conway, Shone, Stewart, ( Whewell ) Dawson, ( Winstanley )

Not used  - Swift