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Richardson Cup Final
Friday 13 April 2007 –LFA Headquarters.
Stupendous. Inspirational. Pick any
superlative you like and it won’t even come close to
describing the elation shared by Villa players, management
and followers alike, not just at the winning of their first
trophy at West Lancs level, but at the way in which the
achievement was effected. Every player in an orange shirt
gave the performance of his life, from whistle to whistle,
and blew their local rivals away with a sweeping exhibition
of the passing game, and probably the best all round display
ever seen from the Villa.
Villa started like a whirlwind. The
movement from Ryan Lilley and David Heald, ably supported by
the mid-field quartet, had Charnock at sixes and sevens
right from the off. The rout started ten minutes in, when
Heald powered his way into the box, and was comprehensively
hacked down from behind for his trouble. Without a trace of
nerves, Sam Bolton smashed the spot kick home as though in a
training session. Just a few minutes later, Stuart Bingham
doubled the advantage, stealing in unchallenged to finish
from close range at the near post. Ross Dickenson grabbed a
third, also from close range, being first to pounce on a
knock down from a corner.
Charnock needed a rethink, and replaced
Craddock with Dean Taylor, who went on to be their best
player on the night. His height and aerial prowess certainly
gave the back four more of a test, but a slight reshuffle
and control was soon restored. Lilley had been running the
defence ragged, and no doubt some measure of relief was felt
at seeing him having to go off after just half an hour
following an accidental kick in the head, though in Dave
Mason Villa had a powerful replacement, and his strong
running gave the defence a whole new set of problems, though
no more goals were forthcoming in the first half.
Villa were out for the second half ages
before their opponents, - well what was there to say
anyway? But whatever home truths were expounded in the
Charnock dressing room seemed to have little effect, as the
half had hardly begun before Heald rose yards higher than
anyone else to glance home one of Damien Stewart ‘s Exocet
corner kicks.
Charnock gave themselves a glimmer of
hope when shortly afterwards Sanderson netted from close
range, though the video evidence shows he was well off side
when the ball was played to him. Villa promptly went up the
other end where Heald quickly restored the gap with a low
drive. Dean Taylor converted a looping header off the under
side of the bar from a corner, but the Charnock body
language suggested that even they thought it was too late.
Dickenson was forced to end an excellent night’s work early
through injury, but again Villa were unaffected by the
enforced change as Jamie Pennington slotted right in and as
usual gave everything for the cause. Club captain Paul
Loughlin, though not quite fully fit, replaced Tom Whittaker
who had run himself into the ground. Rejuvenated, villa
went on to complete the triumph with Heald completing his
hat trick with another soaring header, and Stewart rounded
off probably his best ever performance for Villa with a well
deserved goal of his own.
Charnock supporters shook their heads as
they left saying this was their worst ever performance. But,
though they are still a quality side who have recently won
the Amateur shield and narrowly missed out on retaining the
Goldline Trophy, you can only play as well as the opposition
let you, and Villa caught them cold on the night. Villa were
outstanding in every department. Ross Baxter had no chance
with the two goals and his very presence inspires confidence
in the defence. Daz Davies and Ross Dickenson were
unbeatable at centre back, and Sam Bolton and Lee Chambers
excelled alongside, but then you kind of take that as read
because they always do! Jamie Pennington was faultless also,
he does enjoy a tackle doesn’t he. Stuart Bingham -
tremendous, every side would love to have one and he gels
well with the classy Phil Woodman, who has just gets better
and better. Tom Whittaker and Damien Stewart had a field day
on the flanks and both worked their socks off. Damo’s
delivery of the dead ball is mind-boggling, and impossible
to defend against. Paul Loughlin, unlucky through injury to
miss the starting line up, added resurgence when he came on,
and up front, well Ryan Lilley and then Dave Mason just gave
the defence no respite at all. Oh - and Healdy had quite a
decent night as well!
Congratulations to the management team,
especially Mark McDonnell, who must have had several
sleepless nights knowing that he was going to have to give
some of his most loyal workers the hard word, but no-one can
argue that he got the balance spot on.
Villa now round off the season with three
home league matches, Saturday 21st, Tuesday 24th
and again Saturday 28th. If they can reprise any
of this form these matches will be well worth watching!
Villa Line Up : Baxter, Davies,
L.Chambers, Dickenson (Pennington 70), Bolton, Whittaker (Loughlin
74) Bingham, Woodman, Stewart, Lilley (Mason 29) Heald.
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