IRLAM FC snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at the weekend, a 10th minute penalty converted by Steve Mills seemed to set Irlam on the way to victory after Jordan Icely was brought down in the penalty area by Winsford’s Will Waring, but a mad 10 minutes in the second half was to set Irlam on the road to an unexpected defeat.
Chances aplenty fell to both sides early in the game, Irlam’s Ben Christopher enjoying a couple of decent chances in the first half, with Winsford’s Byrne and Tierney both going close in a game that certainly promised goals.
With the one goal lead still intact, Irlam’s Connor Martin came very close to doubling the tally, the young Irlam striker lifting his shot over the oncoming Hunt in the Winsford goal, but fortunately for the home side just over the bar as a real chance went begging.
The second half started with Winsford first out of the blocks, and it wasn’t long before Irlam keeper Lambert was called into action, saving well at his near post to deny a certain equaliser.
However, the competitive edge in the game was to spill over soon after, and when play was stopped after Irlam full back Lewis Adams was lying injured on the floor, the Irlam players protested at the late stoppage from the match official.
The protest quickly got out of hand, leading to Irlam keeper Lambert receiving his matching orders, along with Tierney from Winsford. More was to follow soon after as Winsford substitute Ellison was sent off for a second caution, followed minutes later by Irlam’s Lewis Adams, again for a second caution as the game descended into farce.
With Irlam still a goal up in the game with ten minutes to go, the controversial award of a penalty to the home side, Irlam skipper Steve Mills adjudged to have brought down Marshall in the penalty area, was converted by no9 Matthews to draw the scores level.
With minutes left in the tie, and the prospect of extra time ahead, Irlam were dealt the cruellest of blows when Winsford skipper Alex Byrne saw his cross in to the Irlam penalty area curl into the Irlam goal for what would be the winning goal on the day, completing a miserable afternoon for the Silver St side as they exited the MEN UTD Cup at the 2nd Rnd stage.
IRLAM FC are back at Silver St this coming weekend, when the visitors are Wigan Robin Park in NWCFL DIV ONE. Kickoff is 3pm