Richmond chase four points for promotion
LOOKING at the league table, anyone would have been forgiven for thinking that this game was a formality, as it turned out it was anything but.
This West Lancs Division One game was crucial for the home side’s push for promotion but it wouldn’t be easy.
Dalton United selected an incredible strong side, who had a fair percentage of possession during the game, especially the second half.
If their finishing had matched their possession, they may have had Richmond in trouble at certain times during the match.
As it was the home side showed the Barrow peninsula side the way on a sunny day at Richmond Park.
This was the first match the Burscough side had played since their magnificent victory against Blackpool Wren Rovers in the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield final at the County ground in Leyland ten days earlier.
Dalton started the match on a very good playing surface and it wasn’t long before the home side showed their intentions when they took a third minute lead.
Striker Jordan Lorde in the thick of the play inside the visitors’ six yard box, controlled the ball with his back to goal and laid a pass to the oncoming Ian McKinty.
McKinty, playing a more forward roll for Richmond of late, fired past the flaying hands of Metcalfe in the Dalton goal.
It was a goal the home side needed to settle any nerves and an excellent start from the hosts.
At the other end of the pitch Richmond keeper Tom O’Malley had to be alert, handling well from a dangerous free kick by the visitors on the 15 minute mark.
The game ebbed and flowed up untill the second goal, both sides showing promise but Richmond showing a little more than their opposition.
It was that man Lorde again heading an inch perfect goal into the top corner of the net on 35 minutes from just outside the six yard box.
The goal set up by his counterpart in the front line, Jack Golding, who’s cross was of the highest quality.
It has to be said a wonderful headed goal from a wonderfully placed cross.
Leading going into half time, Richmond went close again, a surging run by rookie right full back Saul Griffith had the visitors’ defenders scrambling to force the ball to safety, conceding a corner kick from the youngsters’ right wing delivery.
Referee Mr. Dowerty blew for half time with the home team pleased with their two goal lead, but not totally convinced it was job done as Dalton had given a credible first half performance.
Richmond made a half time substitution, Peter Armitage replacing Golding.
Around the 50 minute mark, Richmond gained a free kick taken by Tom Corrigan.
Another excellent far post ball found Ash Disley lurking unmarked and ready to pounce.
The big central defender up for the set piece got his head on the ball but could only direct his effort onto the crossbar.
It created a flurry of activity as the ball dropped into the Dalton six yard box off the bar, the ball eventually being cleared by the away side.
Dalton were playing with some conviction as the second half wore on, but it was Ian McKinty, who was denied by a last gasp foot from goalkeeper Metcalfe when through on goal.
Another substitution, Tom Corrigan replaced by Anthony Murt.
Dalton went close on 83 minutes, then finally got what turned out to be a consultation goal on 85 minutes.
With Richmond tiring towards the latter part of the game, the Dalton forward Oliver Carswell latched onto a sloppy clearance, lashed the the ball into the top corner of the net, with goalkeeper O’Malley, although getting a hand to the ball was unable to stop the missile of a shot. It was an excellent finish. The game was finally killed off by Ian McKinty on 88 minutes, once again Jordan Lorde heavily involved in the move.
The two front men creating space for each other leading to the execution of the goal.
McKinty, found the space and left goalkeeper Metcalfe motionless as the Richmond forward found the back of the net from just inside the penalty area, a good well worked goal.
James Hanson covering for the injured left fullback John Anderson was named man of the match.
The management team were happy with the result and the three points, but not happy with the woefully sloppy play in the second half, compared with recent performances.
Good game, played by two committed sides, although the Dalton side was a far cry from the side that played in the away fixture.
Well played both teams, Richmond now needing a minimum of four points for promotion, from the two remaining games, but that’s for another day.