CTFC
Matches
Sat 19 Sep 2015  ·  Premier Division
Squires Gate
1
2
Congleton Town FC
CTFC
S McGowan (36'), B Matthews (44')
Sea air is good for the Bears - by Bobby Lakin

Sea air is good for the Bears - by Bobby Lakin

Webb Master19 Sep 2015 - 21:24
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The Bears came away from Blackpool with 3 points this afternoon following a close fought match with Squires Gate.

The only change to the side was 16 year old Rhys Highton making his competitive debut at right-back in place of the injured Adam Bayley.
The home side kicked off and looked to capitalise on a sluggish Congleton, Terry Cummings' long range effort rolled straight at Andrew Farrimond though. Gate ought to have taken the lead when a long throw-in was controlled by Billy McKenna before he rattled a shot off the underside of the bar with the rebound scrambled away.
Congleton were struggling and their first half-chance was dragged wide by the left foot of Scott Sephton after a neat 1-2 with Scott McGowan. Sam Marshall was having some success up against Brett Ferguson but there was no Congleton player to be found when his dangerous cross flashed across the goalmouth.
Gate were presented with two more clear opportunities but were denied by the woodwork on both occasions. First a deep free-kick was flicked on to Cummings who hit the bar from point blank range. The same player then picked Rick Bailey's pocket before shooting against the post.
Gate were going to rue these missed chances as the Bears came into the game. Eder Ruiz picked out Brian Matthews with a low cross but the striker's shot on the turn went just wide. Matthews then laid off Sephton for a shot that also went just wide, this time via a deflection.
The breakthrough came from route one, Farrimond's long ball was headed on by Matthews and McGowan ran through to slot away the Bears' first clear-cut chance. Marshall had a drive from 25 yards well saved before Matthews doubled Congleton's advantage. McGowan turned provider this time, slipping his strike partner through for another neat finish just before half-time.
The second half started with Marshall having 2 shots at goal, first cutting in and shooting well wide before trying an audacious volley that went even wider. Ruiz made a strong run down the right and into the box before passing to McGowan who couldn't quite find the target.
The Bears were looking for a third goal to put the game to bed and the perhaps the best chance cam to Marshall. Louis Johnson's long diagonal ball found the winger in space but he couldn't keep his shot down after cutting in onto his right foot.
Gate's only effort on goal so far came from Jack Cook's long range effort the rolled tamely towards Farrimond. Congleton were getting close with Matthews bursting down the right before pulling the ball back to Bailey, his shot bent just the wrong side of the post. Sephton managed to slip away from 2 challenges before rolling the ball to McGowan, his shot gave Ben Fletcher a routine save though.
Squires Gate knew a goal would bring them back into the game and Daniel Penswick's free-kick around the wall forced Farrimond into his best save of the game. They found a goal 6 minutes from time as a right-wing cross was bought down by Mark Buchan before Johnson blocked excellently. The ball came back in again and this time Buchan rose to head past Farrimond and give his side a lifeline.
Michael Crosby and Dion Battes were introduced for Ruiz and Matthews to tighten up the midfield. Despite winning several corners, Gate couldn't breach the Congleton defence again. They are back at home on Tuesday evening with Cammell Laird visiting the Richborough Estates Stadium.
Congleton Town: Farrimond, Highton, Jackson, Kenny, Johnson, Ruiz (Crosby, 89), Bailey, S. Sephton, Matthews (Battes, 90), McGowan (Moores, 80), Marshall.
Unused substitutes: Smith, Pretty.
Attendance: 69
By Bobby Lakin
Upcoming games:
Tuesday 22nd September - Cammell Laird, 7:45pm, home.
Saturday 26th September - Whitley Bay (FA Cup), 3pm, away.
Tuesday 29th September - Abbey Hey, 7:45pm, away.
Saturday 3rd October - AFC Emley (FA Vase), 3pm, away.

Match details

Match date

Sat 19 Sep 2015

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

69

Competition

Premier Division
Team overview
Further reading