27 October 07

By the sound of things, Turton didn’t have their problems to seek in the run up to their visit, but whatever internal machinations prefaced their preparations, they nevertheless sent out a team that played a very attractive brand of football and contributed to what was one of the best games seen down at The Villa this season. For Villa, it was also the ‘new boys’ who caught the eye, with an outstanding goalkeeping display by David Bibby, and masterclass of centre forward play from Chris Farrah.

Turton got into their stride much quicker than their hosts, and having grabbed the initiative, went on to control the direction of play for most of the first half. Nevertheless, it was the Euxton side who, albeit against the run of play, got their noses in front with a little over a quarter of an hour gone. Sam Bolton foraging forward, fed Chris Farrah, who collected the ball, turned, and drove into the box before firing a rasping shot which almost dislodged the stanchion, such was the ferocity!

Back came Turton, and David Bibby was forced into a tremendous stop when a marauding attacker broke away and was clean through, and minutes later again came to the rescue with another fine stop. Meanwhile, down at the other end, his Turton counterpart dug out an equally impressive save from a Tom Whittaker thunderbolt. Villa lost the services of influential skipper Daz Davies to a recurring strain, but in Ian Kirkpatrick they had a very calm and capable replacement, so disruption was minimal. However, just before the interval, Bibby again had to look lively to thwart another ‘one-on-one’ with a smart low block.

Turton could well count themselves unlucky then, to be behind at the half way stage, but the second half saw Villa tighten their grip on their advantage, and although it certainly was not all one way traffic, it was the home side who dominated proceedings during the second period. Danny Walker and the recently fit again Phil Woodman combined well down the right, and helped their side carve out several creative openings going forward. George Craddock was unlucky with his finish on the end of one such move, but in fact neither keeper was tested to the extent they had been in the first half.  Whittaker had a golden opportunity to wrap things up near the end when the Turton defence uncharacteristically parted like the proverbial red Sea, but although he employed his usual composure, for once he saw his cool finish come back off the post.

Three hard earned and valuable points for villa then in a highly enjoyable spectacle for the spectators.  Hopefully Mr Farrah can sort out his work arrangements, as his presence leading the line gives a welcome added dimension. Mark Mcdonnell will be grateful that several players are due back from injury, suspension, and even holiday! as the Villa now face three cup ties back to back, and indeed will not play at home again till December! Monday night is away to Atherton Colliery in the Goldline Trophy, next Saturday is at Haslingden where Villa have been handed a tough draw as they start their defence of the Richardson Cup, followed by a trip to Fulwood in The Shield.  Keep your eye on the web site for directions and kick-off times.

 Villa Line-up: Bibby, Walker, Davies (Kirkpatrick 34), Dickenson, Bolton, Woodman, Bingham, Whittaker, Stewart (M.Conway 69) Craddock, Farrah