24/02/18

CFL Challenge Cup Quarter Final

Whaley have won this prestigious cup for the previous two consecutive years and last lost in this competition in September 2014 to Garswood by a single goal.

After last week’s superb performance at Knutsford Whaley unfortunately had to rejig the team yet again, because several players were unavailable, and Eagle certainly put the home team to the test. However the home side still played the same system that was so successful the previous week but a determined opposition never allowed them settle; Eagle’s midfield marshalled by the experienced Rob Hope bossing the game for the majority of the first half. Coleman and Fleming didn’t give Whaley a sniff at goal and restricted their attack to nothing more than a couple of George Burgess crosses. Unable to create an opening in open play the only thing Whaley had to show first half was a Dan Gilbride free kick that Matty Latham just got fingers too. Hardly surprising then that the visitors took the lead when a long ball turned Whaley’s defence and Eagle forward Briscoe ran Whaley’s defenders down forcing them to concede a corner. Macalister still a very big danger in around the box wasn’t picked up and he swivelled to half volley direct from the corner against Whaley’s cross bar; the ball bouncing down and over the line for a deserved lead. Taking nothing away from the visitors, who harassed Whaley much like Whaley did at Knutsford, all in all it was a poor half for the home side.

Things had to change if Whaley were to stay in the cup and so the management adopted a 4 4 2 system with wide players expected to deliver for Burgess and Kelly up front. This showed immediate dividends with crosses coming in from Sutton, Bailey and Gilbride putting the Eagle defence under pressure and causing a little panic in and around their area. Ultimately a Will Bailey cross found Burgess free in the box and his glancing header beat keeper Latham to put Whaley back in the game. George Burgess’ physicality and enthusiasm to chase down defenders started to make a difference by denying Eagle the time on the ball that they enjoyed in the first half. Although Whaley were on top at this stage Eagle’s Briscoe and Waldron were a constant threat on the counter attack and forced Tattersall to make two fine saves to keep the scores level.

Ultimately the home side managed to secure a win with Dan Gilbride’s sheer determination to win got him into an advanced position to head a Rob Newton cross back across goal to put Whaley 2-1 up. Whaley’s back four stood the test in the second half and Whaley just edged a tight game possibly with their drive to win.

By Whaley standards this was a mediocre performance today; perhaps some self-assessment is required rather than individuals making excuses or engaging with the referee. A good showing is expected for training Wednesday ahead of a difficult semi-final away versus in form Ashton Town next Saturday.

Whaley’s Tom Streets was, as usual outstanding, in defence but for three good saves James Tattersall was the man of the match for the home side.

J Tattersall; D Gilbride (1); J Kay; J Kelly; A Barlow; R Newton (c); W Bailey; B Sutton; J Kelly; J Gregory; G Burgess (1)

J Bailey; P Wigg; J Gemmill