Poynton overturn deficit to secure Cup final slot
POYNTON FC came from behind at home to defeat Hattersley FC to reach the final of the Cheshire Football Association Amateur Cup Final.
The first half saw very few chances between the two sides with neither keeper being tested, but it was the hosts who had the better chances to open the scoring.
Liam O’Connell came close midway through the first half but his effort from inside the box was straight at the Hattersley keeper.
Hattersley’s best chance of the half came from a corner that was sent deep into the box and the effort was blocked by Poynton defender James Manson.
With minutes to go in the first half, Callum Thompson crossed the ball to striker Matt Dixon but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Fifteen minutes into the second half and against the run of play, Hattersley opened the scoring, pouncing on an error from the Poynton defence and keeper Martyn White was stranded as the ball was lobbed over him and into the empty net.
Poynton pressed for an equaliser, and it came 15 minutes later from a corner kick which flew across the six-yard box. Dixon reacted quickest, beating the Hattersley defender to the ball and he managed to poke it home and into the roof of the net.
With penalties edging closer, Poynton looked to take the lead and with just seven minutes left of normal time midfielder Alex Panter was fouled by the touchline and Poynton had the opportunity to send the ball into the box.
O’Connell continued on setpiece duty and sent the ball deep into the box where centre-back Josh Stafford headed across the face of goal, and it was Dixon once again the quickest to react.
He headed the ball into the roof of the net to give the home side the lead.
Hattersley pushed for the equaliser and to take the game to penalties, but they lost the ball inside their own half and O’Connell pounced. His left-footed effort just outside the box beat the outstretched keeper and this was the last action of the game as the referee blew for full time shortly after the restart.
Despite the win, goal scorer Dixon believed his side were not at their best: “We did not play well for the standards that we have set over the last few weeks,” he said.
“I think we dropped to their level a little bit, we were scrappy, it was a scruffy game, and the pitch wasn’t the best, but the main thing is that we dug in and showed great character to get the victory.”
It is believed this was the first time in over one hundred years that the team has reached the final having come close in the last few years. Dixon said: “Some of the boys have been here for a few years and it is great for them especially for the likes of Dunc, Warby, Steve and Si who have been involved in the club for years.
“For the lads who have been here in the last few years we have a great squad and great team spirit, but it is fantastic for the club and the area.”
Dixon described the cup as one of the biggest amateur cups there is in the country, and they will face Knutsford FC in the final to be played in April.