BURSCOUGH
1-0
PILKINTON
Burscough : Monks, Johnson, Falloh, Elms, Middlehurst, Pellegrini, Boydell, Ball, Riding, Boden ©, Canache
Subs : Barrow, Korneliussen, Brewster, Brodie, McMahon, Dobie
It was always expected to be a close one, Burscough off to a flying start in the North West Counties League Premier Division against newly promoted but very well thought of Pilkington in a local derby, as it was the new found resilience that the Linnets have instilled into them by manager Richard Brodie was enough to see Burscough through.
Burscough were without right-back Dylan McMahon after his injury against Lower Breck last Tuesday and his place was taken by Aiden Johnson, Richard Brodie also gave Alberto Canache his first start after he scored the late winner against Lower Breck, a decision he was not to regret.
Pilkington had former Burscough striker Adam Gilchrist in their line-up.
It was an even start to the game and for Burscough Danny Boden saw his shot from a tight angle saved by Pilkington goalkeeper Liam Sergent. On twenty minutes Will Riding had an attempt saved but defender Brad Elms couldn’t convert the rebound. Pilkington also had opportunities but a header from a good position was off target.
Burscough created a good few chances as the half progressed, Canache just failing to reach a Boden cross, before Harry Middlehurst volleyed wide. There was a bit of a scare in the minutes before half-time for Burscough, as Pilkington wasted a fine chance in the six yard box, at the other end Charlie Ball went close with a header, however at the interval the score sheet remained blank.
BURSCOUGH
0-0
PILKINGTON
Straight after the break David Pellegrini twice had efforts, the first deflected over the crossbar, the second off target. Pilkington replied by curling a shot inches wide, then still on the offensive Canache had a shot blocked and Adam Boydell put another over the crossbar.
Thoughts were turning towards a midweek replay, when on 62 minutes Burscough took the lead, Ball set up Canache and making the best use of the space he was in he slotted the ball home, thus justifying manager Brodie’s decision to put him in the starting eleven.
The last twenty minutes saw the game become more stretched as players tired and Pilkington became desperate to save the game.Burscough fell back deeper and relied more on counterattacks and from one Boden had an effort cleared off the line.
Good defending allowed Burscough to protect their advantage and right on time they had to thank goalkeeper Charlie Monks going down low to keep out a goal bound shot.
BURSCOUGH
1-0
PILKINGTON
It was a very important win for Burscough, victory gives them a few bob, it will also boost their confidence even more and continues the fine start to the season. They will play either Albion Sports or Chadderton in the next round at the Community Ground on Saturday 19 th August, at 3pm. There is no easy game in the FA Cup, but lets say the draw could have been more difficult.
#COYG
