Richmond bid farewell to Alex as Wyre lack a spark
BEFORE the game, on a grey, overcast and sad weekend, Burscough Richmond and their opponents Wyre Villa paid tribute at the loss of Alex Blakeman, a former Richmond player.
Both teams stood and gave a minutes’ applause, which I know Alex would have been appreciative of.
I also know that Alex would have said, “accolades over guys, now lets get on with the game”.
He was a football man through and through, but he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Having missed three weeks of football due to soggy pitches, the home side were keen to get this game played.
Richmond started the ball rolling, but it was the away side who created a very good chance in the early part of the game.
An accurate free-kick was just headed wide of the Richmond post by the Villa forward, a warning shot across the home team’s bows.
Richmond were taking their time to settle into the game, largely due to the uneven playing surface.
Richmond took the lead on the ten minute mark, good build-up work down the right flank by captain Lee McNabb, who’s pin point cross eventually found Jimmy Hanson.
The striker tapped the ball over the line from close in to open the scoring.
Two minutes later Jordan Lorde had an opportunity after latching onto a long ball out of defence, unfortunately the striker’s shot lacked power and the Villa keeper Crosby gathered easily.
On 20 minutes, the tricky Hanson found Ian McKinty in space inside the penalty area, Crosby was on hand to smother the midfielder’s shot.
Four minutes later, left wing back Anderson made strides down the left side, his cross dropping to the feet of Hanson.
The striker’s shot just angled away from the right hand post and out for a goal kick.
It was Hanson again on 25 minutes who thought he’d secured the second goal.
Good build-up play by Lorde, Nathan Martland and Hanson saw the striker’s effort hit the back of the net.
As with several debatable offside decisions, for and against Richmond this season, the offside flag went up.
I won’t query the decision but it was good football from the home side leading up to the raised flag.
In time added on Richmond were awarded a penalty.
Midfielder Martland’s run into the penalty box was adjudged by referee Mr Fowler to have been a tackle from behind, the official having no hesitation and pointing straight at the penalty spot.
Top goalscorer Lorde placed the ball on the spot and sent the Villa keeper the wrong way, the ball nestled in the corner of the net to make it 2-0.
A good first half from Richmond, although bad luck with the offside goal, manager Mike Clandon not entirely happy with the performance, stating his players didn’t show there opposition enough respect.
Villa kicked off the second half and tried to force the play to get back into the game.
Several attacks by the visitors failing at the Richmond penalty area by either lack of composure when shooting or good defensive work by central defenders Scott Taylor, Mario Kramny along with fullbacks Lee McNabb and John Anderson.
Richmond were holding the play, happy at the thought they had a 2-0 lead.
The game was petering into a midfield battle with no end product.
The Richmond midfield marshaled as always by the effervescent Chris Jones, always in charge of the game and an example to the younger players around him.
Towards the end of the game Lorde had a fine effort saved by Villa keeper Isaac Crosby and that was about it for the second half.
James Hanson won man or the match for his goal and industry throughout the game.
Manager Clandon was happy to hold the game at a 2-0 scoreline and more importantly not to concede.
Well played to both sides, Villa will be a difficult fixture for Richmond in the away game.
Two major events for Burscough Richmond are coming up at the end of this and next month.
The rearranged semi-final of the Lancashire FA amateur shield v Garstang FC, now to be played at Skelmersdale United’s ground on Tuesday March 28 at 7.30pm.
Richmond would really welcome your support.
And secondly, we have an end of season comedy night/dinner dance at Briars Hall on Saturday, April 29 at 7pm for a 7.30 start.
Enjoy a three course dinner with a top class comedian, Austin Knight, a local young singer, Sam Simpson, raffles, fun and games completing the evening with disco. Tickets cost £30.00. Contact George Clandon on 07885223518, Mike Flynn on 07813870647, Chris Clandon on 07976896195 or Mike Hodgeson on 07789004692.