Match Reports

Once again Foxhall entered the unknown as they prepared to face Central Lancs leaders - Penwortham Town. They were on form going into the game - they beat last year's League and Cup Winners BAC/EE Preston 4-0 in a league match.

Foxhall could and should of opened the scoring as early as the first minute when a Ollie C pass found Jordan W who beat his marker to whip in an early cross to find the on rushing Chris W who somehow put it over from close range.

Foxhall had most of the early pressure and carved out good chances but the keeper was in excellent form and pulled off some fine saves denying Ben D and Joe H. Penwortham scored on what was their first attack when insufficient marking in the middle allowed the Town player to thread a ball through the defence for the striker to belt home from inside the box. (0-1)

Within minutes Foxhall had the chance to equalise when Joe H was upended in the box after evading three defenders. From the resulting spot kick taken by Jordan W, the keeper dived to his right and made a fabulous save to deny Foxhall the equaliser.

The game really did come alive with Town rallying and forcing a couple of good saves from James G. Isaac G was a man mountain at the back with some excellent first time tackles which prevented Town restoring the lead.

Moments later and well into injury time Joe H went on a solo run to whip the ball past the helpless keeper to put Foxhall into a half time lead. (2-1)

Second half Foxhall was up against it with a swirling wind and driving rain in their faces. It was a battle of the fittest with Town having long spells of possession and creating a few openings being dealt with by the resilient defending from Sam W, Guy, Nichols, and Fran D who all coped admirably.

Town finally broke through and equalised when a weak clearance let their striker in to steer home from close range.(2-2)

From then on, it looked like there was only going to be one winner...Town as they had fire in their bellies and wanted it more than Foxhall did. However, a stroke of luck was the turning point in this County Cup match when the hard working Ben D chased a back pass to the goalie only for him to smash the ball onto Ben's leg and rebound into the empty net. It was a prime example of never giving up on a lost cause (3-2).

Within the restart Foxhall again increased their lead with a superb interchange of passing involving Ollie C and Joe H then Chris W who - from thirty yards - saw the keeper off his line so fired over his head. The truth is I think that Chris meant to cross it but he tells me different. (4-2).

Foxhall introduced Tyler A, Craig B, Richard J, Matty H and James D in a space of ten minutes and they all slotted in well with Tyler A catching the eye with a show of simple football that was effective. (Well done Tyler!)

Low and behold Town was given a lifeline when Guy allegedly upended the striker but it was clear to see he won the ball. From the resulting penalty the Town player blazed over. Again Foxhall responded and it was that man again Ben D to coolly slot home from close range to put the game beyond Town. (5-2).

Summary:

A hard fought victory against a very good team which shows why they are top of their league. Not Foxhall's best performance for playing like they wished but when they did they totally blew them away with two goals which killed the game.

Some excellent games from Guy, Ollie, Joe and Chris but the pick has to be hat trick hero Ben D. Well Done Ben! 

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