Defensive prowess
BACUP Borough manager Brent Peters heaped praise on his side for their defensive efforts after they dug in and performed well to keep a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with AFC Liverpool over the weekend.
AFC Liverpool had been in good form heading into the match, but Bacup were able to hold firm and prevent their opponents from scoring, whilst also creating plenty of chances themselves.
With this in mind, Peters was happy with what he saw from his side, and hopes they can now kick on and build on this performance.
“AFC Liverpool came to us in fine scoring form. Collectively they are a very good team, and this was another tough test for our young lads, however I am pleased to say the boys responded well,” he said.
“We created chances, and maybe if certain individuals when attacking had read the situations better and timed their runs better they then would have capitalised on the balls delivered from Matthew Bryan and got themselves on the score sheet. On two occasions it really was fine margins.
“I have to credit Kyle Brooks as he had been in bed sick all week but did put in a good honest shift for the three quarters of the game he was on the field.
“Defensively a team of Ross Mallinson, Oliver Crew and Bradley Hancock well well marshalled by their captain Laquan Esdaille, and they all looked solid as a complete unit which was really pleasing against a side that has been scoring lots of goals.
“On the odd occasion the defence was breached they had Peter Monteith to rely upon who himself complimented the performance of his defensive unit.
“I was happy with the overall performance of everyone, and I also take lots of positives by the fact we have solved our breaches of conceding goals. Keeping a clean sheet against a very good side whilst still creating chances is extremely encouraging.”
Bacup were set to return to action at the Free Press went to print on Wednesday, as they were due to welcome Emley to the Brian Boys West View Stadium. Ahead of the midweek fixtures, Bacup were in 17th place in the North West Counties First Division North table, but could have climbed as high as 13th with a win.
Bacup are then on their travels this weekend, as they make the trip to the Arcoframe Stadium to take on St Helens Town.