Weekly Round Up - 18th November

Photos of the match between Broughton Amateurs AFC and Astley FC, courtesy of Donna Artis Photography.

Full album available to view here.

The Mid Lancs League faced a tumultuous weekend as Mother Nature unleashed havoc, leading to the postponement of most scheduled fixtures across various divisions. Out of the anticipated 13 matches, a mere two managed to kick off on astro turf, highlighting the severity of weather disruptions affecting play.

The clash between Broughton Amateurs AFC and Astley FC in Division One was a gripping contest that saw Astley FC clinch a narrow 2-1 victory, leaving both teams with moments of frustration and elation. Broughton took an early lead when Tom Strangeway found the back of the net in the 31st minute, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive game. However, Astley FC quickly retaliated, with Luke Robinson showcasing his goal-scoring prowess with two crucial strikes at the 42nd and 56th minutes, turning the game in Astley's favor.

The match didn't pass without controversy, as Broughton Amateurs passionately argued for a penalty in the dying moments of the game. Their claims were firmly denied by referee Ian Whiteside, leading to heated discussions and disappointment among the Broughton players and supporters. The contentious decision added a layer of intensity to an already fervent match, highlighting the fine margins and emotional rollercoaster that football encounters often bring. Despite the controversy, both teams displayed resilience and competitive spirit, contributing to an enthralling spectacle that kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The clash between Cherrybrook and Fleetwood Hesketh was a commanding display by Cherrybrook, securing a resounding 5-2 victory and showcasing their attacking prowess. The game witnessed an exceptional performance by Jack Crowther, who stole the spotlight with an impressive four-goal spree. Crowther's clinical finishing was on full display as he netted at the 2nd, 27th, 36th, and 60th minutes, displaying his striking ability and contributing significantly to Cherrybrook's dominant win. Lewis Barlow joined in on the goal-scoring action, adding another goal to the tally at the 65th minute, further solidifying Cherrybrook's lead and sealing their commanding performance.

Amidst the goal-scoring spectacle, Calum Hurst's outstanding performance at the heart of Cherrybrook's midfield couldn't go unnoticed. Hurst's contributions in controlling the game's tempo and anchoring the midfield played a pivotal role in Cherrybrook's fluid attacking display. Despite the valiant efforts of Fleetwood Hesketh, with goals from Scott Burns and Ross Whitehead, they couldn't match Cherrybrook's relentless attacking force. Referee Gerald Carroll oversaw the match, ensuring a fair contest amid Cherrybrook's dominant showcase of attacking football, leaving spectators in awe of the team's proficiency in front of goal.

Unfortunately, Standish St Wilfrid's versus Burscough Dynamo and numerous other highly anticipated fixtures succumbed to the adverse weather, leading to their postponement. The league faces a challenging task in rescheduling these matches, while teams and fans eagerly await the continuation of enthralling Mid Lancs League action amidst the persistent weather-induced disruptions.