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In fairness to the plucky Wyre outfit, I
am sure they will forgive me for saying that this was
probably not the strongest side they have brought to the
Villa in recent seasons. Although they stuck to the task
gamely, once Euxton shook off their early complacency, they
pretty much controlled the entire match, running out
comfortable winners whilst playing well within themselves
throughout the second half.
A blustery day, a heavy pitch, not
exactly the ingredients for a classic. However, both sides
were keen to get back in harness after a lengthy enforced
lay-off due to a festive season compounded by wet weather.
Right from the off it looked like the
home side would be likely to hold sway, and they should have
been in front inside three minutes when Damian Stewart
blasted over from six yards with the goal gaping. A couple
of minutes later, George Craddock hooked over from a tight
angle, and the pattern was set - or so it seemed! However,
Wyre had other ideas, and when Euxton spurned three routine
chances to clear their lines they pounced on the loose ball
and Chris Bullock helped himself to an easy opener.
This ‘splash of cold water’, augmented
by the rough edge of Mark McDonnell’s tongue, stung the
‘Orange’ into action, and most of the remaining first half
traffic headed one way only. However, it took till the half
hour before the visiting keeper was called on to touch over
from a Tom Whittaker header, Matt Atherton providing the
cross on the end of a well-flighted free kick from Sam
Bolton. Five minutes later however, Whittaker took a free
kick near the left corner flag, and his whipped cross found
David Heald stealing in at the back post to volley home from
close range. Within a couple of minutes, Euxton had their
noses in front when Craddock found a cool finish on the end
of a fine combination involving Atherton, Bolton and
Stewart. Wyre’s resistance was effectively killed off when
Euxton added a third just before the interval, Atherton
again involved in the build up, hopping nimbly over a
lunging challenge before finding Whittaker in the right
place to apply the finish
Early in the second half, Danny Walker,
sent Whittaker away with a well weighted through ball, and
as he bore down on goal was fouled two or three times, and
although the ref did his best to allow the advantage,
eventually he had to point to the spot. Sam Bolton rarely
misses these, and his assured placement confirmed all three
points for the home side.
Touch and go whether this match would
get the go-ahead, but everyone was glad to get a game under
their belt and start the New Year with a win. Three points
always helps vindicate the decision. Apart from the early
aberration, Ross Baxter in goal had little to do. Given the
difficult conditions, both sides tried to play a pass and
move game, and a very watchable affair ensued as a result.
An extra bonus for Euxton was the welcome return to first
team action of stalwarts Paul Loughlin and Lee Chambers
after respective lengthy injuries. Back to back
mouthwatering home fixtures next, with Eagly visiting next
week, followed by Charnock Richard the week after.
Villa Line-up: Baxter, Walker,
Dickenson, (Briggs 71), Bolton, Bromham (L.Chambers 60),
Atherton, Loughlin (M.Conway), Heald, Stewart, Whittaker,
Craddock
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