Stags one point from securing title
GARSTANG RES ROSSENDALE FC
STEVE BAYES
AFTER last week’s narrow semi-final victory and with promotion already assured, Rossendale were back on the road when they travelled to play Garstang Reserves in search of three points that would take them to within a point of the second division title.
And the three points were gained at a canter as Rossendale ran out 6-0 winners with Garstang failing to get a shot on target throughout the match.
On a hard bumpy pitch in windy conditions Rossendale were soon into their stride and opened the scoring on 10 minutes when Scott Wylie’s left sided corner was headed powerfully home by captain Adam McInnes at the back post.
Rossendale continued to push forward and on 14 minutes a smart move down the right saw Wylie turn a defender in the area only to be brought down.
Tom Hulme sent the resulting spot kick past the keeper.
On 17 minutes it was three for the rampant Stags as Will Foster burst forward and from 20 yards out shot over the keeper into the roof of the net for a great finish.
Rossendale continued to power forward, Joe Haworth’s long throws in the conditions were causing chaos in the Garstang defence and from one of these throws on 25 minutes the ball was cleared out of the area – it fell to Mickey Saunders who hit it on the volley, the ball smashing against the crossbar and away to safety.
Despite the constant pressure Rossendale didn’t trouble the scoresheet any further in the first half.
The second half started as the first half finished with
Rossendale in total control. To their credit Garstang didn’t give up trying but were struggling against the pressure that
Rossendale were putting on their defence.
On 53 minutes yet another long throw from
Haworth was headed towards the top corner by Paul Stannard only for the Garstang keeper to pull off an outstanding save to deny the striker.
But the pressure told on 64 minutes as Haworth’s throw in was volleyed home by Hulme.
Rossendale welcomed back substitute Joel Haworth back from long term injury and on 74 minutes he thought he had made a dream return as he got the ball in the area and fired home only for Hulme to steal his glory getting the final touch before the ball entered the net to complete his hattrick.
More pressure from the Stags brought a sixth goal when a silly foul 25 yards out resulted in Haworth smashing the ball over the keeper to complete the scoring.
Fair play to Garstang reserves who didn’t give up but a dominant performance from Rossendale who now need two points to be mathematically assured the title from their last five games. With a goal difference of +84 a single point will be enough to see the second division title come to Marl Pits.
The team would welcome any support to see them attempt to clinch the title on Saturday when they are at home to upcoming Challenge Cup Final opponents Kendal United, the match kicks off at 3pm.