Warton’s rapid response
WHO would bounce back best? That was the question everyone was asking ahead of this south Fylde derby in the under-14 Domino division.
Both Kirkham and Warton were forced to come to terms with dispiriting Lancashire FA Cup defeats the previous weekend.
Would the managers get the positive reaction they wanted, or would the disappointment of their cup exits carry over into this game?
But if Kirkham’s confidence was hit, that of Warton certainly was not as they stormed into an early 2-0 lead.
Winning manager Graeme Hall said: “There was a lot of soul searching after the defeat by Wigan Latics in the LFA Cup.
“We had a long talk after that game and another before kick-off on Sunday.”
The visitors had certainly got their cup sorrow out of their systems, making the perfect start at Coronation Road.
They scored in the first minute and added a second within the opening five.
And although the home side recovered well to pull level midway through the first half, Warton were back in front by half-time and never relinquished their lead again.
It’s a sign of an action-packed end to end contest when both managers praise their keeper, with Kyle McMenemy impressive for Kirkham and Harry Duff also catching the eye – and the ball – for Warton.
It was Jacob Reid who gave the visitors their dream start with the first of his two goals, while Louis Mottley doubled the lead before Kirkham had time to settle.
Dougie Allan opened Kirkham’s account with a long-range shot . They then pulled level with a 30-yard lob from Tom Bell.
But Warton refused to panic and regained the lead when Reid netted his second with a long-range chip.
More chances went unconverted after the break before Sam Hall put the visitors two goals to the good again.
Skipper Ben Pownall pulled one back for Kirkham and ran Darren Monkton close for the man of the match award.
Manager Frank Speak said: “Ben played with real spirit and is becoming a really good leader for us.”
However, the Typhoons had the final say with their best goal of the game.
Hall’s shot was well saved but Jack Waite was well place to blast home an unstoppable shot as the ball rebounded out.
Warton have now recorded back-to-back wins as they adjust to the demands of the new league.
They were handed a tough start, with matches against BJFF and Foxhall, in this elite division but they are finding their feet encouragingly.
To add further spice to the derby rivalry, most of the players of Kirkham and Warton go to school at either Carr Hill or Kirkham Grammar, and it’s the Warton players who will enjoy bragging rights in class this week.
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