Ladybridge 0 Euxton Villa 1

15^th April 07

Given the 4 close games that these two teams contested last season, and the win for Euxton earlier this one, we knew that this was going to be a hard match. Ladybridge are a skilful and strong side and contest matches the way they should be.

The fact that this was the hottest day of the year and the pitch was rock hard meant that this was going to be tiring for both sides and the referee took the sensible decision to allow drinks breaks wherever possible.

Both teams started strongly but Ladybridge may have had the edge. The No 9 was dropping deep and winning lots of headers and the flick-ons were causing us problems. We made a couple of tactical changes and cut out this route and then started getting more of the ball. The rest of the half was played at a real pace that said a lot about the fitness of both sides.

Euxton took the advantage into half time with a fantastic goal. Craggy won the ball in midfield and played it to Connor. He turned inside well and played a fantastic pass behind the full back that Josh was onto quickly. He then carried the ball to the edge of the box before hitting a superb shot across the keeper to score. After the second in the semi-final last week it was another finish beyond his years, and turned out to be another crucial strike.

The second half was played at the same pace and both sides are due tremendous credit for that. The ball was not being held up by the Euxton front line and as a result the back 3 were again subjected to a gruelling examination, which they passed with flying colours. We had 3 or 4 good chances to score a second and ease the pressure but we didn’t take them.

Ladybridge played some great football and it took all of James D’s effort to control the skilful left winger – but he did really well to do so.

At the final whistle Euxton were glad of the points but both sides had contributed to a fantastic match in difficult conditions. Ladybridge were excellent hosts as always, making us feel welcome but work extremely hard for the points. They are a credit to their club.