Early spot kicks puts Richmond on course

THE visitors kicked the game off, but it was Richmond who shocked their opposition winning a penalty in the second minute of the game.

Striker Pete Armitage was brought down just inside the penalty area, referee Mr Rigby pointing to the spot.

Jordan Lorde the current Richmond top goalscorer, took responsibility for the penalty, dispatching the ball into the top corner of the net, sending the Ulverston keeper Brad Williamson the wrong way.

Goal number two on six minutes was scored by Pete Armitage, great wing play by Jack Golding who’s inch perfect cross gave the Richmond striker the enviable task of finding the back of the net from close in.

Around the 15 minute mark Jack Golding had a glorious opportunity to give the home side an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Virtually stood on the visitors’ goal line, Golding missed the ball completely, unfortunately the usually clever striker will want to forget this missed effort.

It must be noted that the build up play by Lorde and Armitage was excellent football.

Richmond had all the play at this stage of the match, causing the Ulverston rear guard some dangerous moments with a couple near misses, Lorde, Golding and Armitage looking very sharp.

The away side riding their luck but not conceding another goal.

Ulverston looked menacing later in the half and had a period of offensive play, going close with a couple of near misses of their own.

Around the 30 minute mark the away side’s persistence paid off, pulling a goal back, via a Matty Lawler finish.

Richmond, had taken their foot off the pedal somewhat to give the away side an edge in the game.

The visitors, buoyed by their goal, forced the play and were once again very unlucky when a shot hit the upright, the resulting follow up goal was given offside.

The half-time team talk was looming, manager Michael Clandon would not spare his words about sloppy play and underestimating the opposition because of their current lowly position in the league.

The second half resumed and the talk must have had the desired effect as Jack Golding restored the two goal advantage and his pride on 55 minutes.

Lorde and Saul Guffogg were involved in the build-up play leading to the goal.

Guffogg sent a pin point right sided cross for Golding to hammer past Williamson, the 17-year-old full-back gaining a man of the match award for his overall 90 minutes contribution.

Two minutes later Lorde made it 4-1. The Richmond striker was quick to spot the away team goal keeper Williamson off his line, the host striker lifted the ball over the keeper finding the back of the net.

Golding was involved in the move along with Nathan Martland prompting and probing the opposition defence.

A little more discipline by the home side in midfield and the defence may have avoided Ulverston’s second goal.

As it was Matt Lawler once again found the back of the Richmond net.

A low right wing cross, met well inside the six yard box and headed into the back of the Richmond net by the Ulverston front man.

A notable effort by Armitage close to full time brought a superb save from Williamson, tipping a swerving shot from the Richmond striker over the bar, conceding the corner.

The corner kick taken by Lorde found the head of the tall Richmond central defender Mario Kramny, up for the set piece, rising above the opposition defenders to glide the ball into the back of the net, with a well taken goal in time added on.

An enjoyable game from the Richmond perspective, with several players missing from the line up.

Richmond are at home to Barrow side Hawcote Park on Saturday, 2pm kick off. Refreshments are available.