Three games took place on Saturday 22nd October in crisp autumnal conditions across Lancashire.
Wray made the long journey over towards Blackpool to take on an in-form and free-scoring Great Eccleston side and the formbook stayed true as ‘Eccy’ picked up all three points thanks to a virtuoso display from Jack Sharples. The skilful striker has been a constant thorn in opposition sides this season and his hat-trick secured a 3-0 win for the home side to maintain their position in the top two.
Elsewhere, Lancaster made the journey down the M6 to Fulwood who had been in good form themselves; picking up three wins in a row which had catapulted them up the table. And it was the home side who took a first-half lead through Matt Simpson but Lancaster came roaring back with three goals either side of half-time. It didn’t stay 3-1 for long… around three seconds in fact… as Fulwood player-manager Danny Garratt showed quick thinking and technical brilliance to score direct from the restart, lobbing Lancaster goal-keeper Stephen Sargent from fully 50 yards. However, as Fulwood pushed for the equaliser, Lancaster showed just why they are champions with a ruthless attacking display, hitting a flurry of goals to ultimately record a 7-2 away victory.
Finally, Longton were looking to bounce back from two successive defeats as they travelled to Carnforth to take on Loko. And it was the away side that took an early lead through Gregg Metcalf, which was added to by a quick-fire double from Kristof Kaszas and Dave Sharp to give Longton a 3-0 lead inside half an hour. Loko always threatened and came back into it after player-manager Andrew Towers flicked on a long free-kick into the box and it nestled in the top corner. Longton responded by making it 4-1 as Gregg Metcalf struck an excellent volley in off the post. The second half was a more tight and scrappy affair and with ten minutes to go, Loko had a lifeline as a free-kick was drilled into the box by Brad Rodwell and sliced into his own net by Stu Cobham. However, just two minutes later, a long-range volley from Dave Sharp settled the game with Longton ultimately triumphing 5-2.
Great Eccleston 3-0 Wray
Jack Sharples 45, 65, 82
Fulwood 2-7 Lancaster
Matt Simpson 33, Danny Garratt 56 // Tom Luxton 42, 60 Matt Parker 50, Michael White 55, Ryan Francis 69, Jonny Sudell 75, 88
Loko 2-5 Longton
Andrew Towers 35, Stuart Cobham o.g. 81 // Gregg Metcalf 8, 41 Kristof Kaszas 28, Dave Sharp 29, 83
