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AFC Liverpool v Darwen Saturday 9 August 2008

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17/11/2007 VODKAT LEAGUE DIVISION TWO DARWEN 2 HOLKER OLD BOYS 0

Darwen entertained the bottom of the table team from Barrow-in-Furness today. Holker Old Boys had only managed one point from their previous twelve league games. Today’s result now means one in thirteen, unlucky for Holker.

The home team still had several absentees, with Paul Mashiter, Dennis Hill, and Paul Walker injured, plus Jon Stephenson suspended. However, Jason Jones was back from suspension.

The first significant action of the game was the first goal. A Darwen corner on the left was swung into the box, where Matt Anderton timed his run to perfection in putting a precise header past Stephens in goal.

Five minutes later, a Matt Haworth cross from the left found Jason Jones at the far post. Stephens in the Holker goal managed to catch his downward header.

Ten minutes before half time, a clearance from the Darwen half found Reece Rowinski, who had managed to get behind the Holker rearguard. As Stephens advanced from goal to try and narrow the angle, Rowinski slotted the ball past him.

Jason Jones was involved in a controversial incident two minutes later. He went in high on Daly, catching him in the chest with his studs. The Holker player needed several minutes of treatment, but the Darwen captain only received a yellow card, as the referee decided that the foul was unintentional.
Goal One

A minute before the break, the visitors produced a rare attacking move, which saw two of their forwards chasing the ball towards goal. Matt Anderton got in between to clear the danger.

Half Time: Darwen 2 Holker Old Boys 0

Ten minutes into the second half, Holker’s Murphy and Morris combined to set up captain Capstick on the edge of the area. He had to hit the volley first time and put it wide. Shortly after, Hargreaves also managed to get a strike in from a narrow angle for the visitors, but Joe Darwin comfortably blocked the shot.

On seventy minutes, a Darwen corner was not properly cleared by the Holker defence. The ball fell to Jason Jones, and his shot on the turn produced an excellent one handed save from Stephens in goal.

The Salmoners came close to increasing their lead at the end. Holker had pushed upfield and Darwen man of the match Jones latched on to a clearance put over the top. He drew the defence, and then looped the ball over to Darwen substitute Richmond Botchey, who was left in the clear. As Stephens ran desperately out to defend his goal, Botchey chipped the ball over him, but the attempt went wide of the post.

Full Time: Darwen 2 Holker Old Boys 0

ATTENDANCE: 81

REFEREE: N/A
ASSISTANTS: N/A

GOALS:

Darwen: Anderton (15), Rowinski (35)

MAN OF THE MATCH:

Holker: Glen Capstick
Darwen: Jason Jones

TEAMS:

Holker Old Boys
1. Sam Stephens
2. Chris Squirrel
3. Glen Capstick
4. Mark Daly
5. Graham Capstick
6. Joe Murphy
7. Todd Bamber
8. Gareth Smith
9. Rob Lightfoot
10. Jack Hargreaves
11. Phil Morris
12. Kevin Turner (replaced Daly, 65 minutes)
14. Derek Birrell (replaced Morris, 67 minutes)

Darwen
1. Joe Darwin
2. Chris Pearson
3. Danny Finch
4. Matt Anderton
5. Dominic Slaven
6. Matt Haworth
7. Martin Parkes
8. Jason Jones (Capt.)
9. Reece Rowinski
10. Jordan Hulme
11. Courtney Crooks
12. Richard Fogarty
14. Ashley Reece (replaced Slaven, 77 minutes)
15. Richmond Botchey (replaced Rowinski, 75 minutes)
16. Paul Walker
17. John Dickinson (replaced Pearson, 83 minutes)

Comments from manager Wayne Watkins:

We controlled the game for ninety minutes. We could have had more goals, but the three points are pleasing for us. It was great to have the captain (Jason Jones) after four games out. He’s a great ball player, and is really positive and encouraging for the younger lads around him.

We didn’t have the height up front today. They had tall defenders. But if we keep the ball on the floor and play it wide, height doesn’t come into it.

The guys at the back did a fantastic job. Big Matt and Danny next to him, Parkesy played in front of them. He had a fantastic game. Young Reece who’s just come in up front got one chance and tucked it away nicely from twenty yards out, so that was pleasing.