Hesketh Casuals ‘B’ 4-0 Oldham Hulmenians

Casuals B team retained their position as league leaders after a comprehensive victory over Oldham Hulmenians â€' their sixth successive victory. With success brewing competition for places is hotting up (wonder if it’d be the same if we were bottom!?!?!?) and the manager now has a selection problem on a weekly basis.
The game started a little sloppily, although Casuals were clearly the better team and they managed to conjour up a few chances. Barry Fellowes and Derek Sykes went close, as did Dave Tomlinson who linked up well with the tireless Justin Parr on the left. The breakthrough arrived from a set-piece after around 30 minutes when the ball pinballed round the box. After Fellowes’ initial effort rebounded back, which had been en-route to hitting the corner flag he showed great composure to side foot home past the Oldham keeper amidst a crowded penalty area. The defence of Hames, Forshaw, MacGregor and Tomlinson looked solid and composed and chances for the away team were kept to a minimum.
The standard of football was a pleasure to watch from the home side, as they coolly passed the ball amongst themselves showing no signs of panic. Grice linked up well with the defence and strike force and he managed to carve out numerous opportunities.
The second goal seemed illusive despite numerous chances and it wasn’t until the second half that the home side doubled their lead. Dan Richards collected the ball some 25 yards out and whipped in a delightful cross. Sykes rose to flick on creating a gust of air between his head and the ball which seemingly encouraged it to evade everybody and creep into the far corner. For the record, Dan Richards was credited with the goal.
Ian Langton had filled in at centre back following an injury to Neil MacGregor and he did a sterling job at making keeper Paul Hames’ day an easy one. The third goal settled the encounter after Andy Walker flicked the ball passed the defender on the half way line. As his brother Dave went to collect the “pass” his younger sibling requested in typical brotherly love fashion, “F*ck off” before galloping clear and smashing the ball home for his 4th of the season.
Before the end, Cassies put the icing on the cake as a hopeful ball forward was chased down by Richards. After the defender and keeper had misjudged the bounce, Richards scooped in with his right foot to score his second of the game.
There could have been more goals for Cassies, but the home side were more than content with their victory. They travel away to Bury GSOB next week who have always proven a tough side to overcome, but will need to be beaten if Casuals have genuine title aspirations.

Man of the match: Dan Richards - Carl Forshaw was jointly awarded the accolade but his sharp exit after the game we decided to give it Dan ;-)