Game finishes goalless but Burscough Richmond’s thoughts are with Phil Simpson’s family

Mar 7 2013 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH RICHMOND and Norcross and Warbreck stood for a minutes silence before kick off in remembrance of Karen Simpson who tragically died last week at the age of 31.

Richmond wanted to postpone the game as a mark of respect but husband Phil, a veteran player at Richmond was insistent the match be played and bravely attended the game himself.

The visitors and league leaders who hadn’t dropped a single point all season kicked off.

Richmond forced the first corner, a high ball pumped into the 6 yard box by captain Lee McNabb, was well collected by Thornley in the opposition goal.

A few minutes later Moore in the Richmond goal picked a high ball out of the air when it looked to be dipping under the bar.

Norcross’ composure on the ball was very evident in the middle part of the first half, the home side also contributing to the match with some excellent defensive work by central defender and man of the match Taylor, central midfielders McKinty, Jones, and McNabb who harried the opposition’s play makers.

Nearing half time Moore pulled off a magnificent save forcing the ball for a corner when Norcross striker Eastwood looked on to score. A fantastic ball into the box by McNabb was taken off the head of Taylor by his defensive partner Disley which was unfortunate as Taylor was odds on to score.

Although strikes on goal were in short supply Richmond went into half time giving a good account of themselves.

In fairness the second half was pretty much like the first Norcross with plenty of possession, Richmond breaking up attacks.

A header by Eastwood went over the bar and a free-kick by midfielder Whitaker went just wide of the Richmond post for the opponents.

A quick free kick by winger Jimmy Hanson to McKinty who hurried his shot and went wide. Strikers Mason and Beesley both had chances, both efforts going over the bar. The best chance of the game fell to Mason when a free kick from Morton found its way to the striker who managed to divert the ball over from only four yards out.

The closing effort went to Norcross, striker Eastwood who fired a diagonal shot across the Richmond goal ,a goal looked a certainty but brought the best out of keeper Moore who got down to the shot and made a fine save which was followed up by some excellent defending by Disley.

The game ended goalless but the club’s thoughts are with Phil Simpson and his family.