Champions fall foul of newcomers Kearsley

NEWLY promoted AFC Kearsley toppled the Newbold Tyres Premier Division Champions, Wardle 2-0 in a very tactical encounter in the Rochdale, Bury and District Sunday League.

Kearsley’s player manager Cameron Tate revealed: “We started the match with a slightly defensive 3-5-2 formation, with new centre-half Owen Luby pairing with skipper and man of the match Dominic Williamson.

“We started fairly well, despite having less possession of the ball we were able to create more clear- cut chances than our opposite number.”

However, despite the balance in play neither side scored before the interval. Kearsley made a double substitution and the impact of the switch was instant, Lee Chapel scoring in the fiftieth minute to give Kearsley the lead.

Kearsley fought hard to maintain their lead, as Wardle applied pressure to their back line and looked likely to pinch a late equaliser. Yet in the dying moments, a swift counter attack led by Dale Owens secured a solid 2-0 win for the Premier Divisions new boys. Tate believes this fantastic start is due to his side’s rigorous pre-season regime.

“In previous seasons, we’ve played too many pre-season friendlies and the players were tired by the start of the season.

“This year I think we have found the right balance between training hard and playing enough matches.

“I think we’re going to be very ambitious this year in the league. We always want to push to be the champions. We won the division last year and I hope that we can do it again this year.”

Elsewhere, Rochdalians demolished Elton and Walshaw 8-2, while Middleton Town won away at Cartshaft.