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MATCH REPORT : WEST DIDSBURY AND CHORLTON 1 IRLAM FC 1
IRLAM FC24 Aug 2022 - 18:36
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TEN MAN WEST DIDSBURY HOLD ONTO THE DRAW
Photo courtesy of Andy J Guttridge
A goal apiece, a man sent off and a penalty missed could be enough to write for this match report, but it is worth delving a bit deeper into what was certainly a riveting game of football between two high tempo sides.
A Ben Elliot strike on the stroke of half time opened the scoring, firing home from inside Irlam's six yard area was a real blow for a bright Irlam side who themselves were looking good value for an opening goal as the game unfolded.
The second half would see a big moment as West defender Ben Hampson would be shown the red card for a deliberate handball in his penalty area,the home side down to ten men. Irlam's Saul Henderson stepped up confidently to convert, but the ball would hit the left upright and cannon away to safety, a real let off for the home side.
However, just short of the hour mark and Henderson would get his goal, the Irlam forward finally breaking the resolve of the West defence , heading back across goal to draw the scores level.
The introduction of Alfie Walker and Jordan Icely at the break for Irlam would see the attacks and intensity step up as they went in search of a winner against the depleted home side.
A third striker was added into the mix for Irlam as Louis Holt came on, the Irlam side now looking an absolute certainty to win, but West held firm, and with a decent support around the ground kept their intensity as high as possible.
Irlam piled on the pressure late in the game, Walker whipping in 4 or 5 corners into the West area, all of which were defended resolutely.
Henderson again went close , a crossed in ball that was just too high, although the Irlam forward would still manage to head goalwards only for the crossbar to come to the aid of the home side.
Final chances came at either end as the game drew to a close, Irlam's Jacob Holt's 30 yard strike was always rising over the West bar, whilst at the other end nerves were jangling when Ben Elliot struck the post , a chance that could have given the home side an unlikely win at the death.
The final whistle saw the points shared, a disappointing result for Irlam given the home side played the whole of the second half with ten men, but credit must be given to the home side who dug in tremendously to stay in the game
A Ben Elliot strike on the stroke of half time opened the scoring, firing home from inside Irlam's six yard area was a real blow for a bright Irlam side who themselves were looking good value for an opening goal as the game unfolded.
The second half would see a big moment as West defender Ben Hampson would be shown the red card for a deliberate handball in his penalty area,the home side down to ten men. Irlam's Saul Henderson stepped up confidently to convert, but the ball would hit the left upright and cannon away to safety, a real let off for the home side.
However, just short of the hour mark and Henderson would get his goal, the Irlam forward finally breaking the resolve of the West defence , heading back across goal to draw the scores level.
The introduction of Alfie Walker and Jordan Icely at the break for Irlam would see the attacks and intensity step up as they went in search of a winner against the depleted home side.
A third striker was added into the mix for Irlam as Louis Holt came on, the Irlam side now looking an absolute certainty to win, but West held firm, and with a decent support around the ground kept their intensity as high as possible.
Irlam piled on the pressure late in the game, Walker whipping in 4 or 5 corners into the West area, all of which were defended resolutely.
Henderson again went close , a crossed in ball that was just too high, although the Irlam forward would still manage to head goalwards only for the crossbar to come to the aid of the home side.
Final chances came at either end as the game drew to a close, Irlam's Jacob Holt's 30 yard strike was always rising over the West bar, whilst at the other end nerves were jangling when Ben Elliot struck the post , a chance that could have given the home side an unlikely win at the death.
The final whistle saw the points shared, a disappointing result for Irlam given the home side played the whole of the second half with ten men, but credit must be given to the home side who dug in tremendously to stay in the game
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