Linnets out of the Challenge

Jan 21 2010 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH’S fragile confidence took another blow in the Unibond League Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

Kendal took the lead in the 12th minute thanks to Danny Wisdom.

Burscough’s defence looked a little frail now that James Connolly and James McCulloch have moved on, although Ashton Bayliss and Dave Roberts both performed well in the heart of the defence and with Dominic Morley returning from a long spell out injured, encouraging all around him in the middle of the park, there were signs that things could improve.

After 28 minutes, Gary McEvatt produced the Linnets’ first serious threat, but did not trouble ex Burscough keeper David Newnes.

In the 38th minute a shot from Lewis Field from outside the penalty box forced the Kendal keeper to produce the quality he is known for at Victoria Park, Newnes’ acrobatic save resulting in Burscough’s first corner.

Burscough finished the stronger looking team as the first half closed and hopes were high among the home support during the interval.

The second-half started with Burscough continuing in the ascendancy. Dave Roberts soon forced another corner early in the second-half, but Kendal’s defence cleared. While Newnes was again the equal of anything Burscough’s forwards could muster, with another pair of good saves.

When, on the hour, Kendal got their second and killer goal it was arguably against the run of play.

Dave Foster beat Burscough keeper Kyle Clancy with a shot from just outside the 18 yard box, after Kendal’s quick break caught the home defence out.

The goal left the Linnets a mountain to climb.

Having established a two goal advantage, Kendal now took control of the game and allowed Burscough few opportunities to salvage anything from the game.

Former Skelmersdale player Carl Osman went close for Kendal in the latter stages, being kept out and a third goal prevented by a good save from Clancy as the home keeper left his line and spread himself well.

The scoreline reverses the Lancs Co-Op Cup result when the two sides met in September.

l Burscough: Clancy, Taylor, Holden, Morley (Wilson74) Bayliss (Grisedale 82), Standley, Field, Roberts©, Byers (Bathurst66), McEvatt, Brookfield, Subs (not used) Black, Christopher

l Kendal: Newnes, Walmsley, Byrne, Melling, Steel©, Stoppforth (Warburton 68), Osman, Foster, Taylor (Beattie 71), Kilford,

Wisdom (Mulvaney 49), Subs (not used) Green, Hinchcliffe,

Attendance: 88