Leaders put St Mary’s to the sword

WEST LANCS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION HAS ST MARY’S .......... 1 BLACKPOOL WR.......... 5 STEVE BAYES IT was bottom versus top as League leaders Blackpool Wren Rovers visited Haslingden St Mary’s at South Shore Street, and St Mary’s struggles continue as in the end they were well beaten by their visitors.

The difference between the teams was evident from the start as Wren Rovers forced three early corners, where their giant defenders caused problems for the St Mary’s defence.

From their fourth corner Wren Rovers had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for pushing, but from their fifth corner on 15 minutes Wren Rovers opened the scoring when the ball was knocked down at the back post and forced home.

St Mary’s tried hard to get back into the game but clear chances were at a premium, a Scott Wylie curling effort from distance on 25 minutes just cleared the goal.

But five minutes later Wren Rovers scored a second when a long cross was headed against keeper Sipocz and into the net.

To be fair, St Mary’s didn’t give up and they were given some hope on 35 minutes when a neat move down the left found Wylie, his cross was brought down by midfielder Alex White who turned his marker and fired into the corner to reduce the arrears.

The final ten minutes of the half St Mary’s continued to push forward and cause problems with one effort being hastily cleared over the bar but the equaliser wouldn’t come and St Mary’s went in at the break one goal behind.

The second half started evenly but Wren Rovers regained their two goal advantage on 66 minutes when the big forward headed home from yet another corner.

Again St Mary’s pushed forward but the final ball was being broken up by the Wren Rovers defence, a long range Daryl Holland effort brought a good finger tip save from the Wren Rovers keeper.

But from one of St Mary’s forays forward Wren Rovers showed their class on 85 minutes with a swift counter attack down the right and a cross being forced home at the back post.

Two minutes later they went nap and wrapped up the game with their fifth.

In the end the scoreline may have been a bit harsh on St Mary’s with the two late goals but over the course of the match they were well beaten by a very good strong Blackpool Wren Rovers side.

St Mary’s continue their fight to get away from the foot of the table on Saturday when they visit Coppull United with a 2pm Kick off.

St Mary’s reserves staged a remarkable recovery in their away match against Milnthorpe Corinthians Reserves.

Trailing 3-0 just after the interval they fought back to snatch a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw their goals coming from Jack Hilton, Henry Hindle, and Dave Snape.

The reserves’ next match is on Saturday when they are at home to Wyre Villa Reserves at South Shore Street.