Hesketh Casuals B 0-2 Rossendale B

Hesketh Casuals B descent in the table continued with another home defeat at the hands of league leaders Rossendale. With results going against Cassies, the Southport side now slip to 4th having played more games than their top five rivals. The performance, was, however, significantly improved from the poor effort the previous week against Lymm, as Cassies created numerous chances, but, as per usual, failed to score.

The effort exerted from the home side was evident with some strong tackles and neat passing on show. Steve Aspin went close with a long range effort which the keeper nervously watched creep over the bar. Rossendale have some good players who look out of place in the 6th Division and they broke the deadlock after about half an hour when their twelve year old looking striker evaded the defence and slammed a powerful shot into the far corner.

Matt Valentine pulled up with a hamstring injury which allowed Dave Tomlinson to enter proceedings and he kept their busy right winger quiet. He did, however, force a near post save from keeper Paul Hames minutes later though. Just moments before the half time whistle, Rossendale doubled their lead when their midfielder collected the ball from an uncleared corner and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

Justin Parr, Dave Walker and Neil MacGregor were playing well and Langton and Forshae made some incredible last-ditch tackles to keep Cassies in the game. Aspin went close with a half volley which clipped the outside of the post but it was clear Cassies would not have scored if they had been playing until next week.

There was still time for Rossendales camp, childish centre forward to dive in the penalty box from a non-existent tackle as if he was being watched by Premier League scouts ... he was later reminded that he played 6th Division Lancashire Amateur Football ... gay boy. Keeper Hames made another decent near post save and in the end the endeavour showed by the home side was enough to satisfy the manager who could have asked no more from his players.

With four games to go Cassies need a strong finish to the season in the hope that it does not fade out. There were plenty of man of the match candidates with Forshaw and MacGregors names mentioned but keeper Paul Hames clinched the award, not for making any saves, but for a well planned dummy in the first half which left their striker bamboozled.