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   IrlamFC 1 AFC Darwen 0
A second half goal from man of the match Gary Prescott was enough on the day for Irlam to defeat visitors AFC Darwen and send the Silver St side to the Top of Vodkat Div One. With a number of changes in the squad from the previous weekend, Irlam manager Ryan Gilligan could be pleased with the sides opening half of the game, with both sides probing for an opening. Darwen's front line of Turner and Clarke looked lively up front for the visitors, with a number of stray shots close to the Irlam keeper Brewers goal early in the game. Irlam's central pairing of Jonathan Lyons and captain Craig Fleury had the upper hand in midfield and Fleury’s hard tackling worked well alongside Lyons passing game, with a number of balls finding in form striker Gary Prescott up front for the home side. Shortly before the break, with Prescott through into Darwens box, a slight trip had the Irlam player appeal strongly for a penalty, waived away by match official Lee Doughty. With no goals at the break, it seemed that the breakthrough would soon come, and just five minutes into the second half Prescott, controlling a cross into the box, hit a low shot down at Darwen keeper Pilkington’s right hand post leaving the keeper with no chance as the ball nestled into the back of the net. Shortly afterwards, a seemingly harmless altercation between Lyons for Irlam and Ginley for Darwen led to both players being harshly sent off, reducing the game to 10 man. The reduction did not hurt the Silver St side, as their superior fitness on the day meant that Darwen had to work harder for their share of possession, but with 10 minutes left in the game the table turned again. Irlam defender Christopher Hilton whilst defending a through ball from Darwen was judged to have pulled the visiting player back, and as Hilton had picked up a caution earlier in the game he was the next player to see red in the game. A nervy end to the game for Irlam saw Darwen create a few decent chances, one in particular bringing an excellent save from Irlam keeper Jamie Brewer, but on the final whistle the single goal was enough to secure the three points for the Silver St outfit. Irlam continue their home fixtures this weekend when they play host to League newcomers Runcorn Town. Kick off is 3pm at Silver St. Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
