Hesketh Bank too hot for Furness Rovers

Oct 4 2012 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

HESKETH BANK returned to action, after last Saturday’s blank date, at home to Cumbrian visitors Furness Rovers, and eventually earned a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Despite the heavy rain earlier in the week the pitch was in excellent condition on a bright but windy afternoon.

Playing with the wind in an uneventful first half, chances were few and far between.

Indeed it wasn’t until the 20th minute before the visitors keeper was tested as he saved well from Jordan Smethurst. He was called into action again soon after tipping over a fierce shot from skipper Dan Birkby and again he thwarted Smethurst on the stroke of half time.

Now playing into the wind the deadlock was broken after just two minutes when Josh Norgate burst into the penalty area only to be brought down by a miss timed tackle. Leading scorer Birkby smashed home the resulting penalty.

In a five minute spell Birkby was denied on three occasions by Furness’s now overworked keeper. Eventually Birkby got his sides second and his 14th goal of the season, turning smartly on the edge of the box before drilling the ball past the keeper.

Substitute Peter Henerty added the third after 76 minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

The visitors only real attempt on keeper Paul Sergeant’s goal came late in the game but he kept it out to make sure a clean sheet was obtained.

The result keeps them in third place with 23 points from 10 games but seven points behind leaders Norcross & Warbreck, who maintained their 100% start to the season, and four points behind second placed Wyre Villa, although with a game in hand.

The reserves mini revival came to an end as they lost 4-2 at Stoneclough.

This coming Saturday the first team travel to Premier Division team Coppull United in the second round of the Lancashire Amateur Shield (kick-off 2pm), whilst the reserves entertain Turton at the Centenary Sports Ground (kick-off 3pm).