Hesketh Casuals B began their league campaign with a hard earned draw at home to Radcliffe B, although they were minutes away from claiming all three points. With Paul Hames standing down and handing the reigns to Matt Valentine there was much promise in the air for the Southport’s fourth elite. Valentine’s first act as manager was to hand shrinking violet Neil MacGregor the position of captaincy, presumably based on his ability to remain calm and tight-lipped when a decision has not gone his way!

The crowd assembled at Preston New Road with many predicting double figures for the season’s opener. One person who was ominously, although not surprisingly, missing was Andy Walker who decided to do exactly that, go walking instead of turning up for footy. He did eventually show his face after an hour of the game, much to the appreciation of his team mates.

The usual Casual B faces were raring to go and the game got underway on a heavy pitch with the grass high enough to play army in. In the early stages chances were few and far between although Ian Langy Langton did go close when his shot from a corner flicked the upright before being diverted away to safety. Radcliffe took the lead in frustrating circumstances from the hosts point of view. A free-kick sailed over the defence’s head and found their unmarked midfielder who nodded home from eight yards. The inability to pick up opposing players from set-pieces has haunted Cassies over the last four years and is something they must put right if they hope to challenge for honours this season.

It was not long before the young hosts drew level after Paul Morris, who returned to the side after a year’s absence, was bundled over in the box and the referee duly awarded a penalty. Paul Hames, who has relinquished the responsibility of being goalkeeper and was now up front, volunteered to take the penalty. Until this moment, the Peter Crouch-esque striker was previously a penalty-virgin haven never taken one in his life. The feelings of nerves were not apparent, however, as he calmly stepped up and left footed a low shot into the net after waiting to see which way the keeper had moved. Honest.

At half time the troops were exhausted and Paul Morris had to depart after being felled by their defender. Michael Lloyd had stripped off, not for the first time in his life, and was primed for action in the centre of midfield. Dave Walker and Justin Parr had been working tirelessly in midfield, linking up well with the strikers, and the defence was remaining tight with Chris Hames and Neil MacGregor showing solidarity in the middle, although the latter proved the bookies’ right after picking up a yellow card early on after showing dissent to the ref.

Radcliffe took the lead midway through the second half with a goal I cannot remember too much about, but I am sure it was lucky in some way. Despite losing Morris, Fellowes and MacGregor, Cassies showed great determination in getting back into the game. The sheer presence of Andy Walker on the wing brought about two goals in quick succession. Michael Lloyd who was showing some industrious flair in the centre of midfield rose like a salmon to power a header home from a corner. All those hours watching his favourite DVD The Best of Les Ferdinand had clearly paid dividends for Michael Sir Les Lloyd as he started the season with a bang.

Minutes later, the superb Dave Tomlinson curled a pass behind the defence onto which Paul Hames chased. As the keeper advanced with the intention of collecting inside his area, Hames stuck out a boot and knocked it passed him. The striker then calmly placed the ball into the ball into the unguarded net to put the home side in the lead and elevate him back onto the top of the scoring charts. With only two minutes to go, the Radcliffe striker fortunately drew level after his shoot bobbled up over the helpless Matt Valentine and looped into the goal to rescue a point.

On reflection, both sides would probably have felt disappointed not to have won, and therefore would have been content with a point. Oldham await Cassies next week where they have previously experienced success as they hope to retain their unbeaten record this season.

Man of the match: Sir David of Tomlinshire