This weekend, there were two exciting games that took place in the SportsReach football league, with the third farmers derby of the season taking place, as Quernmore made the trip to Wray, whilst Fulwood, who are on a charge towards the top of the league, faced Moorlands. Great Ecc vs. Loko unfortunately was called off.
Wray 3 – 3 Quernmore
Beecham 37, 62, Watson 73 // Luxton 65, 92, Sudell 86
This game opened up and was very even from the get go, both sides working hard to try and gain an advantage in the game. Both previous games before this one had been very even, Wray sneaking a win both games, with both sides fairly evenly matched over the course of the season thus far, as demonstrated with the equal points tally in the table. The game started off evenly and a little scrappy in moments, with neither team able to assert their authority on the game. Wray were boosted by DJ Beecham coming back into the side and he rewarded his start with a lovely goal in the 37th minute to give Wray the advantage. This was the only real goal mouth action before half time and Wray went in 1-0, though Quernmore could feel hard done by to be losing at half time.
Moving into the second half and it continued on much the same path, with both sides struggling to impose any dominance onto the game, with both sides battling hard. This game was reminiscent of the other two games they’ve played this season, with both being tight and tough affairs. 15 minutes into the second half and Wray struck again with a lovely goal from DJ Beecham again, doubling Wray’s advantage. An absolute pearler! However, soon after, Quernmore got a goal back, through the excellent Tom Luxton. A great counter attacking goal, facilitated by James Sutton, playing a lovely ball across to Luxton, who took a touch into the box and fired home. 2-1, with 25 minutes to go! Quernmore kept pushing for another goal but in doing so, they allowed Wray to get another goal, putting them 3-1 up. Tom Watson netted another quality goal for Wray. He has been a great addition to this side! Quernmore kept pushing for a second goal, but Wray were playing well this half and controlling it well. Coming into the last 10 minutes, Quernmore made a tactical switch, changing to a 3-5-2, pushing more men forward in search of goals – and it worked! Quernmore won a corner in the 86th minute, that was taken quickly, with Matt Sowerby channeling his inner Trent Alexander-Arnold to play a perfect ball to Jonny Sudell-Origi smashing home to make it 3-2. The Anfield-esque comeback was on! The game was nearly finished, with it in added time when Quernmore had one last chance. John Townley played the ball in Kaine Winder, who sent it forward, for it to be controlled by Tom Luxton, lobbing the keeper from the edge of the box. An absolute beauty of a goal, bringing Quernmore level with moments of the game left. What a game! The Farmer derby was a breath taking draw.
Moorlands 1 – 5 Fulwood
Loughlin 20 // Cooper 6, Thomas 39, Stephenson 49, Alexander 85, Caterson 88
In the other game to take place on Saturday, Fulwood faced Moorlands, hoping to keep up their good run of form recently and get the win, to keep the pressure up on Great Ecc. Fulwood started well and within minutes were ahead, after an absolute beauty from Jordan Cooper was smashed home. 1-0. Moorlands new look team has been gelling together in recent games and soon they were back level. Both sides were battling but Moorlands Matt Loughlin managed to find a way through the Fulwood defence to level the scores in the 20th minute. Both sides kept battling, with neither side able to take the game by the scruff of the neck and get a couple of goals. However, five minutes before half time, Fulwood got the breakthrough that they were looking for, with Joe Thomas firing home for his side in the 39th minute, taking them 2-1 up. A great goal at a great time for Fulwood. Going into half time and it was 2-1 to Fulwood. Coming out after the break, Fulwood started much the better of the two sides and soon made this advantage count as they scored again minutes into the second half. Pete Stephenson was this time in amongst the goals, grabbing Fulwood’s third goal in the 49th minute. Much like their second goal, it was a great time to score again. Both sides kept battling throughout the rest of the second half, however, Moorlands could not find a way through a stubborn and organised Fulwood defence. The game was beginning to wind down, coming into the final few minutes, with both sides seemingly accepting the result. However, Calum Alexander and Eliot Catterson had other ideas, both men netting lovely goals to increase Fulwood’s lead further, scoring in the 85th and 88th minute. All in all, a great performance from Fulwood, playing the ball about very nicely and demonstrating why they are beginning to be considered challengers for this seasons title. This weekends game against Great Ecc is going to be massive in the title race, with the winner taking the advantage in the race for the title, with a Great Ecc win putting the 9 points clear of Fulwood having played a game more, whilst a Fulwood win, combined with winning their game in hand would bring them level with Great Ecc. Fascinating times!
In the other two games this weekend, Quernmore face Moorlands, hoping to get another win, whilst Loko face Wray, the first time the teams have faced each other this season.