Top of the table clash, 6 pointer etc and any other fitting cliché. Edge Hill university played host to the Burscough team and this was to be a tough old battle if the home fixture was anything to go by. Jamie G led the boys out onto a “big” pitch with a very hostile wind blowing into the Villa goal to compliment the slope.

1st Half
Within 5 mins it was all too clear that the biggest factor was going to be the wind. It was bitter and strong and Burscough played well forcing Villa back into the first 25yds of the pitch.
Burscough got their first corner on 10mins.Jamie G & Tom M supported a back four of Kyle, Tom G, Danny & Sam, they all did well to “dig in” but with the wingers out wide and the Greg & Charlie on the half way line it was destined to be cleared into the void just in front of the penalty area time & time again. Burscough took control in this area of the pitch and kept up the pressure winning corners on 15mins. It seemed almost fate when they scored the first on 16mins. 1-0.
Ryan M, as anyone would have, struggled to get distance on the ball from the goal kicks and it was one of these that led to the 2nd Burscough goal on 24mins. Despite this the Villa did well, soaking up the pressure and on the odd occasion when they played out of defence they brought Jamie A & Smithy into the game and they put Charlie & Greg through who both had close chances.
Ryan M made a great save on 26mins to stop a sure fire 3rd but it was only 3mins later when Burscough form yet another corner got it. 27mins. 3-0.
The half ran out with a strong run by Charlie who shot and took crowds breath away as it skimmed past the post.

Half Time 3-0
The boys were praised were by George & Dave, they had soaked up the pressure well and 3 goals were easily got in these conditions. The red legged boys ran out for the second half.

2nd Half
Burscough came out with one man up front and 10 in defence. They were determined not to let anything go astray in the penalty area. Whilst the wind helped Villa they were not pushing up and filling the void as Burscough had done in the first half, this gave Burscough time to clear and with some strength at times and it was against the run of play and Burscough’s only chance of the half so far when they broke and scored. 14mins.4-0.
They broke a number of times but Sam with his pace chased back from their half to cut out the danger. The defence seemed reluctant to push up and midfield were sometimes found behind them, but to be fair they had battled and freezing cold & tired legs were slowing as the time ran out. Smithy & Kyle came off and Will & Steven went on in an effort to up the pace but the 10 man defence of Burscough stood firm and moved out of defence as one with some good passing football. Villa took corners , free kicks and shots but none were going in today until Charlie pounced on rare free ball, made it his own and scored ….sadly in was injury time and as the whistle blew the frozen Villa could do no more.

Full Time 4-1.
A good showing against in very difficult conditions, which to be fair Burscough played to better than the Villa. It was always going to be a struggle against a strong & pacey side like they are but the Villa did well and no doubt would have done a lot better had they not played as deep in the second half giving Burscough a bit more respect than with the weather conditions. Focus on the job in hand for next week.