There were only two games that took place this weekend in the SportsReach football league – with both Fulwood vs. Moorlands and Wray vs. Great Ecc called off. However, both Preston City Mission vs. Lancaster and Loko vs. Quernmore took place and they were high scoring games in the process!

The PCM vs. Lancaster game  was played under horrendous conditions, however the pitch was in great condition so went ahead. Lancaster started the game with lots of possession – however they were frustrated as Preston defended heroically at the start of the first half. But, their possession paid off and Adam Luczynski stroked the ball in with a neat finish just inside the penalty area. Once again Preston defended and pressed well until a cross from Matt Parker eluded everyone including the Preston keeper and went straight in. Lancaster were now playing some flowing football until a good through ball split the Lancaster defense, with Catlain Popinciuc and Stephen Sargent both tackling each other but it was the Popinciuc that came out on top, putting the ball into an empty net . This goal gave Preston confidence and it was déjà vu . A lovely through ball with the same outcome. A simple open net finish. Popinciuc had his and PCM’s second of the game.  3-2 at half time. Second half there were many chances created, particularly by Lancaster, until a scramble in the box lead to a second goal for Adam Luczynski. Lancaster were on the up and then with a corner, they scored directly from it. Steven Richardson with the goal. Tired legs showed in wet, cold conditions and Michael White extended the Lancaster lead with a typical left foot shot from outside the box giving the keeper no chance. All in all Preston did themselves proud with some last ditch challenges and some great defending. Lancaster, however will feel frustrated with the lack of goals adding to their goal difference.

Loko vs. Quernmore was the other game to take place, with Loko hoping to get their first win of the season and Quernmore hoping to make it two wins from two. It was Loko, however, who were to strike first, Tom Atkinson looping a shot over the goalkeeper from 20 yards. Loko struck again, 2 minutes later in the 7th minute. This time a header from Rob Edmondson, the diving keeper only able to get a hand to it, albiet not enough to stop it from going in. Quernmore, shocked and struggling to get to grips with the new system they were playing. However, in the 15th minute, Quernmore got a break through, via Kieron Harwood. Quernmore’s revival was short lived however, as Adam Edmondson scored from a freekick in the 18th minute. The last 25 minutes of the half there were no goals, but Quernmore were on top and the better side, but were unable to find a breakthrough. It was 3 – 1 at half time. Loko were next to strike however, 4 minutes after the restart, Graeme Beaumont broke though and lobbed the goalkeeper from a difficult angle. 4-1. Again, Quernmore were on top, with attack after attack – limiting Loko to the counter attack only. But, Loko defended resolutely and Quernmore could find no way through, until the 94th minute, when they were awarded a penalty, which was coolly finished by Tom Kelsall. But, it was too late in the day to find any more goals for Quernmore and it finished 4 – 2 to Loko.

Results – 7th October

Fulwood P – P Moorlands

Wray P – P Great Ecc

Preston City Mission 2 – 6 Lancaster

Catlain Popinciuc (2) // Adam Luczynski (2), Matt Parker, Steven Richardson, Alastair Eccles, Michael White

Loko 4 -2 Quernmore

Tom Atkinson 5, Rob Edmondson 7, Adam Edmondson 18, Graeme Beaumont 49 // Kieron Harwood 15, Tom Kelsall 90+4