Match Report

Burscough picked up maximum points for the second time this season as they beat West Didsbury & Chorlton in front of a crowd of 456 today. Welcoming back manager Dave Dempsey to the dugout, joining his right-hand man Chris Stammers for the first time this season after his holiday.

The Linnets looked up for the tough task of facing West Dids from the moment they came out to warm up, showing lots of energy in the pre-match preparations.

No sooner had the game kicked off than we found ourselves 1-0 down again. A cross coming in from the West Dids right wing was not dealt with properly, and Kris Holt found himself in space to fire the ball through the Burscough defence and past keeper Barry to make it 1-0 to our hosts.

After the goal, there were no real, clear-cut chances.

There were a few corners and free kicks for each team, but nothing materialised for either side. Then, in injury time, the game was brought to life by Matty Coughlan with a 25-yard strike that the keeper could only get his fingertips to as it hit the back of the net – a superb strike.

The referee blew for half-time at 1-1, which was a fair result going into the break, with neither team really getting a hold of the game.

West got us underway for the second half, and it started as it did in the first half, with both teams struggling to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Burscough had the first half-chance of the second half in the 51st minute, which Che Trepasso couldn’t get a clear connection on, and the ball went sailing over the bar.

The next half-chance came to West Dids ten minutes into the second half as the ball bounced over Barry’s head, but we managed to clear it in a little moment of panic for the Green Army.

The best chance of the second half so far fell to Kian Bell at the back post, but he skied the ball as he just couldn’t get his body in the right position to put it in the back of the net.

Just before the hour mark, John McGrath looked destined to put us ahead, but the West Dids defence and Oliver Martin in the West goal thwarted him twice. West Dids managed to get the ball away from the danger area.

Burscough made three changes with half an hour to go, bringing on Anthony Walsh, Cian Spencer-McDermott, and Delial Brewster for Ste Rigby, Harvey Sample, and Matty Coughlan.

The fresh legs seemed to give us a bit more energy as we pushed towards the opposition goal. The pressure in the second half finally paid off with some superb football as Cian Spencer-McDermott picked up the ball in the middle of the park. He coasted through two West midfielders to the left side, urging Barrigan to overlap him, which he did to perfection. Cian then slotted the ball through to him, and Barrigan had room to run into on the left side of the box and had time on the ball.

McGrath dropped off his marker, and Barrigan slid the ball to him to slot into the back of the net under Martin.

West did push Linnets for an equaliser, but the defence and Barry held firm with some last-ditch tackles, clearances, and a great save from Barry to secure the win for Burscough at the second time of asking after last week’s heartbreaking late loss at the Step Place Stadium.

That’s 6 points out of 9 for the Linnets, showing some really positive signs for the long season ahead.

Our next game is back at home for a local derby against Charnock Richard on Tuesday night, kick-off at 19:45

Get down and support the boys, and let’s look to keep up this good start to the league season.

#UpTheLinnets #COYG