Hesketh Casuals ‘A’ 4-0 Thornleigh ‘B’

Hesketh Casuals were back to winning ways after an emphatic victory over Thornleigh thanks to four second half goals. The victory saw the home side lifted to 4th place - just a couple of points behind leaders Rossendale. Although the conditions were dry the blustering wind was always going to influence the proceedings. With this in mind, captain Chris Hames sensibly lost the toss and allowed Thornleigh to play with the wind first half. It was a matter of weathering the storm and keeping Thornleigh at bay in the opening 45 minutes, and the defence stood up to the task.

The back four of Valentine, MacGregor, Hames and Forshaw kept Thronleigh’s chances to a minimum, whilst Fellowes managed to conjour up a few chances at the other end. Despite playing into the wind Casuals played the better football and Steve Aspin was solid in midfield. At half time the home side knew the game was there for the taking and were eager to take advantage.

Despite having the majority of the possession Casuals struggled to break the deadlock with Fellowes going close on numerous occasions. The prolific striker did eventually score when he found himself in an ideal shooting position…the corner flag. Fellowes carefully weighed up the options in the penalty area and decided he was better off going for goal himself. He picked his spot in the top far corner and dinked his corner into the danger area only for it to expertly swerve into the net. Some may say this was a fortunate strike, but those who have played with Fellowes for four years know he is more than capable of such wizardry.

Having taken the lead Casuals were keen to kill the game off as soon as possible and Fellowes effectively secured the three points thanks to a rare header. Dan Richards delivered an inch perfect pass from the half way line and Fellowes rose like a salmon above the Thornleigh defence to flick the ball past the helpless keeper.

The third arrived shortly after when Forshaw continued to impress by evaded a couple of tackles and delivered a looping cross into the danger area. Derek Sykes dummied the defender and slid in left footed to drive the ball home. There was still time for a fourth when Sykes beat the full back and whipped a left footed cross in from the by-line. Fellowes’ challenged for the header in the middle but the ball fell to Andy Walker who powered the ball home right footed to seal an emphatic victory.

Man of the match: Neil MacGregor