Bullets beaten by resolute Padiham

MATCH REPORT: NORTH WEST COUNTIES PREMIER DIVISION. 23/04/2016.
FINAL SCORE: ALSAGER TOWN 0 PADIHAM 2

Games are quickly running out for Alsager Town as they bid to save themselves from a return to the North West Counties League’s second tier for the first time in fourteen years. Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to East Lancashire side Padiham has left Scott Dundas’ men rooted to the bottom rung of the premier division table, five points adrift of safety- effectively six due to a woeful goal difference – with just four games of the season remaining.
For those optimists amongst us it is perhaps worth recalling that two years ago, at the climax of the 2013/14 season, Alsager appeared all but doomed but somehow won their final three games to climb out of the bottom three on the final day, and in all probability they will have to replicate a similar feat this time around, albeit by going one better and winning their last four.
Defeat against Padiham did however feel like a body blow to all concerned at the football club, particularly as the Bullets deserved to get something out of the game. The home side were in the ascendency throughout the opening forty five minutes and continually pushed Padiham onto the back foot, playing some good football in the process but failing to convert the chances on offer with the game goalless at the break. Michael Lennon, returning for the Bullets following his recent injury was particularly influential and registered their first shot on target in the 17th minute after weaving his way past two challenges, but Padiham keeper Michael Donlan blocked his near post effort and the ball was cleared. Minutes later, Troy Bourne combined with Jordan Bennion who fired wide, then a neat move involving Bennion, Ash Hill and Leigh Skellern ended with Lennon shooting over the bar from 12 yards. Bourne was closed out by the Padiham defence after an impressive run into the box on the half hour, then the visitors created their first real opportunity, with an Aaron Taylor effort beaten away by Bullets keeper Matt Conkie at the expense of a corner. The home side hit back with Bourne linking with Daniel Cocks who laid the ball into the path of Josh Crofts who blasted over from 12 yards. Bennion and Crofts were guilty of missing the target following decent moves and as the half drew to a close, Cocks appeared to be clipped as he weaved his way into the box but claims for a penalty went unheeded.
Alsager were quickly out of the traps after the break with Padiham defender Seydu Bamba perhaps fortuitous to only receive a yellow card for bringing Leigh Skellern’s surging run to an end on the edge of the area. However, in the 50th minute the visitors took the lead, Thomas Fowler netting following a corner from the left. Sean Cookson should have done better than firing wide of Conkie’s goal after being set up by Joshua Emmott, but Alsager hit back with Donlan just managing to get a hand to Cocks’ ball into the six yard box as Lennon and Skellern looked to pounce. Padiham’s attacks were becoming increasingly threatening and fifteen minutes from time they were awarded a penalty when substitute Jake Chadwick clipped Taylor. It was Taylor who stepped up to take the kick, Conkie saving his initial shot but powerless to prevent him converting the rebound. There was no way back for the Bullets whose attacks became less sporadic and as the game petered out they were left to reflect what might have been.
Forthcoming fixtures:
Tuesday 26th April v AFC Blackpool (A). Kick-off 8.00pm.
Thursday 28th April v Atherton Collieries (H). Kick-off 8.00pm.
Wednesday 4th May v Barnoldswick Town (A). Kick-off 8.00pm.
Saturday 7th May v Maine Road (A). Kick-off 3.00pm.
Alsager Town: Conkie, Machin, Bourne, R. Smith, Clarkson, Hill (Chadwick), Cocks (Minton), Bennion (Booth), Crofts, Lennon, Skellern, Subs (not used) Timmis, D. Brown.
Attendance: 85. IW.