Written by Riva
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Tuesday, 04 December 2018 11:41 |
01/12/2018
Still feeling somewhat aggrieved after losing to a dubious last minute penalty in the reverse fixture it was heartening to see Whaley win all three points in what was generally a good all round performance in their 10th game in succession unbeaten.
Leadbetter was running the Knutsford back four ragged from the off and should have scored when through on goal, then quick thinking Gregory played Broome in and the keeper Spencer saved well to his left and the ball went to safety. Leadbetter showed two moments of brilliance beating two defenders and slotting home from 8 yards on 10 minutes and then 10 minutes later he brought a long ball down in the box twisting around his marker to volley home from 10 yards. Whaley should have killed the game off with several corners and free kicks but it wasn’t to be and with just 5 minutes of the half remaining they gave away possession carelessly, two passes later Clayton was free in the box to get Knutsford back in the game, 2-1.
This week Whaley made no mistakes, ruthlessly finishing the game early as they attacked at will. Man of the moment Leadbetter was hauled down in the area and so up stepped Captain Jack Gregory to calmly send Spenser the wrong way, 3-1. The industrious Broome then got his just reward; Kay found Gilbride who linked well with Gregory in centre midfield to feed the Broome who belted a screamer in to the top corner from 25 yards, 4 1. Substitute Dunn had a free header in the box saved well by Spencer but he certainly didn’t waste his next opportunity when on 70 minutes he met a good cross from the right to steer his header into the corner. Whaley switched off knowing the game was already in the bag and allowed West a free header from a long dead ball that gave Knutsford a consolation goal.
A good result especially considering the Managers were able to give Captain Sutton, Langford & Dwolitka time on the bench to recover from injury. Whaley were more ruthless going forward this week but a solid defensive performance from Keeper Tattersall, Bailey, Toseland, Kay & Gemmell was a vital aspect of today’s game as Knutsford strengths are their three forwards.
Tattersal; Bailey; Toseland; Kay; Gemmell; Drayson; Gregory (c); Gilbride; Broome (1); O’Donnell; Leadbetter (2)
Dunn 56 (1); Baldwin Jnr 80; Sutton; Dwolitka; Langford |