Like a scene out of "The Hound of the Baskervilles", the playing fields of Penwortham appeared slowly in view, the games were on and all was well with the world.

Euxton lined up today for the first time this season a couple of players short, with Jake and Daniel unfortunately unwell - hope they both get better soon.

David in goal, Alex and Adam at the back and Tom (captain again without an armband sorry! ) ,Will and Stuart in midfield with Alistair up front. No subs so tiredness might be a factor.

Martin and I asked the boys to keep their positions and play as a team talking to each other and trying to look for passes where possible. In particular we asked them to remember what we had practised in training with kick offs and corners.

The first half started with both sides trying to get a foothold in the match. Euxton kept their positons and shape really well and restricted Penwortham to limited possession in midfield. The Penwortham Number 3 was tackling and intercepting really well and there were no real chances for either side in the opening exchanges.

Alex and Adam defended well as a unit at the back and David didn't have much to do apart from collect the ball well on a couple of occasions.Slowly, Euxton started to get on top and with some tireless running and chasing from Tom, Will and Stuart, the midfield battle was being won. The Penwortham keeper saved well from two crosses by Will and grabbed the ball with Alistair racing towards him.Tom played a great pass to Will who charged forward only to be tackled by the tenacious Penwortham number 3 again! From one corner, Alistair hit the post as Euxton began to play more in the Penwortham half. Then Will turned well and hit the side netting as the Euxton pressure mounted. On one occasion when Penwortham broke clear, they won a free kick which was struck hard and true but David caught it well and made the save look easy!

Half Time a gritty hard fought 0.0.

We asked the boys to try and pass around the Penwortham number 3 and to take a touch when in possession and try and find a teammate in space. Their energy levels were still good despite there being no subs.

The second half started with Euxton pouring forward. Tom was being clever with his long throws , always looking to find the space behind the Penwortham defence and Stuart's positional play was excellent as always. After two minutes of the restart, Alex won the ball well and played the ball through for Alistair to run onto. He was challenged in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Tom stepped forward to fire against the post but kept his composure really well to bury the rebound into the net. 1.0 to Euxton. Euxton now started to attack at every opportunity as Adam and Alex were keeping Penwortham out at the other end and Tom, Will and Stuart started to find more and more space.

Shanks once said ( god bless him ) that "if you're not sure what to do with the ball, pop it in the net and we'll discuss your options later" We have always asked the boys to shoot whenever possible and as quickly as they can. Euxton began to follow these instructions to the letter. Penwortham were defending resolutely but after another great throw by Tom, Alistair who had found space in the box well, hammered the ball into the roof of the net. 2.0 to Euxton.

In the next few minutes, Stuart, Will, Tom and Alistair all found space on the wings and crossed really well looking for their teammates in the box. The Penwortham defence resisted well with several last ditch tackles. We swopped Will and Alistair around because even the duracell bunny needs a rest but Euxton continued to defend their lead expertly with Adam and Alex mopping up whenever the ball broke towards them. David, kept his concentration, which can be difficult in games when the play is a long way from your goal. From one attack at the Euxton goal Alistair managed to clear off his own line which really showed the effort and application from the whole team which was excellent again.

Finally from another great clearance and pass from defence, Will raced through on goal with the Penwortham number 3 ( who had defended brilliantly all game ) really trying to tackle and stop him getting a shot on goal. On this occasion he failed as Will managed to shrug him off, keep his balance like a young Micky Owen in his prime and smash the ball into the net. 3.0 to Euxton.

The game ended 3.0 to Euxton but Penwortham defended really well and their number 3 is some player ( well done to him ) The Penwortham sportsmanship at the end was fantastic to see - it was much appreciated and they should be congratulated for showing it.

A good result and a really great effort and attitude from all the boys, well done to you all as there were a number of tired legs at the end.

Man of the Match : Will : Brilliant finish for the goal but yet another all action spirited performance with some tireless running and tackling.

See you at training on Monday at 6pm at Buckshaw remember!! ( and yes I did compare Will to Michael Owen!! - poetic licence is great isn't it!)