Pilkington FC v Steeton FC
Saturday 13th November 2021
NWCFL Division 1 North
3pm Kick Off
Ruskin Drive
By: Callum McCarthy
Getting Back To Winning Ways
Pilkington FC looked to get back on track in their hunt for promotion on Saturday. Their previous two results were not great, drawing 1-1 to Campion and losing 3-0 to Cleator Moor. Before the match got underway, we remembered those who had lost their lives during conflict. The game kicked off in the blinding sun and Pilks looked up for it. Blasting shots at Steeton keeper, Stuart Cross – however none could get past his safe hands. Deklan Hill had two chances in the space of a few minutes early on. A free kick whipped in from Marcus Giglio was knocked down and cleared just before Hill could get a toe to the ball, minutes later – his looping header just went over the bar. Steeton also fired back as chances poured in from the attack but Pilk’s keeper Andrew Heal was there to collect all of them. The final chance of the first half saw Daniel Bate recycle the ball and feed through Chris Cottington, but the cross was once again stopped by the Steeton keeper.
Half time allowed Pilk’s to regroup and see where they went wrong. The level of positivity in the room was massive as assistant manager, Ste Tickle kept making the point that “it’s coming”. The evergreen Phil Marsh also said that “the first goal is massive”. The boys knew what they had to do in the second 45, now was the time to go and do it.
The second half got underway and Steeton tested the defence straight away. A mistake from Dean Curtis allowed Thomas Robinson to slip through and take a shot on target, yet again Heal made a superb stop. The first big chance of the second 45 presented itself to Marcus Giglio. A free kick on the corner of the box was struck firmly and smacked the post agonisingly. Thankfully, the first goal of the game was a green one. In the 65th minute, skipper Adam Gilchrist held off his defender and as soon as he bought himself a yard, he released his shot which smashed the back of the net. The Glassmen made their first change of the game a minute after the goal, as Phil Marsh made way for Nathan Quirk who returned from suspension. Pilk’s got themselves another goal just 5 minutes later! Callum Laird had some way to dribble but his strength paid off and his shot left no chance for Cross. Marcus Giglio was so unlucky not to score in this game, as he hit the post once again, this time from a corner. The 76th minute saw Pilk’s grab a third goal to seal the deal, Quirk made an impact as he drove down the line and pulled the ball back for Gilchrist to bury his shot, and bury the game. Pilk’s were rampant! Another change followed the goal as Deklan Hill was replaced by Danny Greene. The game was done and dusted but Adam Neill wanted a goal, he weaved in and out of two players and hit the post from 20 yards.
The full-time whistle saw Pilk’s well and truly get back on track as they gave the visitors a pasting.
We now look to the FA Vase on Saturday 20th November as we face Burscough FC.
Up The Pilks
Starting XI:
13..Andrew Heal
2.Christopher Cottington
3.Adam Neill
4.Marcus Giglio
5.Dean Curtis
6.Gary Kenny
7.Adam Gilchrist (C)
8.Daniel Bate
9.Callum Laird
10.Deklan Hill (15.Daniel Greene “77”)
11.Phil Marsh (16 Nathan Quirk “68”)
Unused Substitutes: 1.Ellis Taylor, 12.Kieran Curtis, 14.Wade Rutherford
Result: Pilkington FC 3 Steeton FC 0
Goals: Adam Gilchrist (2), Callum Laird
Bookings: Deklan Hill