30th January 2017 - Widnes FC 1 v 3 Southport FC - The quarter finals of the Liverpool Senior Cup was the basis of tonight's match as me and my grand lady made the effort to view what we hoped would be a very competitive match. I had been off work today and indulged in a 20 mile bike ride and made my rear end rather ruddy sore. I had only been on a bike once in the last 40 years so my stupidity was paid back with spiteful discomfort. This may sound like a digression but I can tell you with hand on heart that due to the problem down below the main thing on my mind prior to tonight's match was if the seats would be kind to my crack or cruelty incarnate. I had been to this stadium once before when Widnes played Eccleshall but my mind was on the footy that day rather than the wedge of my arse. Hey ho, I mustn't grumble (well not much more anyway) as I did see 31 bird species on my journey as well as a Fox and Sweet Violet in flower - all good stuff for a naturalist. So, a good drive down, tea and chocolate and the chuff was lowered onto a chosen seat and the teams came out to indulge in their ball booting antics.
Southport, sporting a garish lipstick pink, applied the opening pressure with their No 2 providing a couple of enormous throw-in's that certainly needed watching by the home team and obviously taking care of. The pinkers poked, executed some neat play from midfield to just outside the box but an end gloss was lacking in the early stages with Widnes holding mighty firm at the rear. Widnes did cultivate an early break with their industrious No 9 imposing upon the keeper and forcing a deflected clearance to bounce just wide of the target. Instantaneously it was the same player who broke again after controlling a sturdy pass and found enough room to shoot goalward although it was a wayward effort and failed to trouble the guardian of the mesh. A pattern began to develop, Widnes were defending deep and looking to pick out the front two with a piercing long ball whilst Southport were playing some smooth, 'on the deck' soccer that was building in the middle of the park, moving forth with ease before just breaking down before a true end product could be attained. Fair play to Widnes, they were working hard at the back and making the odd chance at the other end. In fact when the home team won a corner and a rising crust connected on the ball with venom they were unlucky not to pilfer the opening goal.
A static period ensued, it happens, but after an early substitute took place for the guests (and the numerically confused announcer raised a few titters) another huge throw-in came, an episode of in-box fannying was had and the ball was eventually poked forth only to be deflected just wide. The corner came, a good connection made, the goal was narrowly missed but things were definitely warming up. Milli-seconds later Southport should have knackered the deadlock when their No 9 latched onto a pearling pass only to be denied at the last by a low-sprawling keeper - now that was close! Next and Widnes won a corner, the nut that rose hammered the ball downward, the sphere hit the deck and...bounced over the bar - a good response but again...no triumph. Widnes came again, chucked in a hopeful free-kick, the Southport netter came and grasped at nothing more than fresh air, luckily the ball was off target and we ended the half with a scorecard unmolested by a goal.
A Mars Bar, a piddle and some fresh Ginger (what a great drink that is) and we moved seats just for the sheer hell of it (tis always nice to alter the perspective).
Kick off, Southport moved forth, free-kick, cross-ball, too much pondering by the defence, a shot cum cross and wham, bam, thank you most kindly ma'am - 1 - 0 and Ashley Grimes had truly got the game underway after what was a rather stodgy first period. Great goal! Southport now looked to rubber-stamp their advantage and as the peeps in pink pressed and gained greater territorial possession it was in the 58th minute that extra fruit was borne when some neat feet in the box from the substitute led to much fluster and the ball to come out to one Liam Hynes who thumped home and doubled his teams lead. Widnes now scampered around, Southport had the greater awareness and posed greater threat with their swift passing accuracy. Another shot came and was headed away for a corner which led to a close in shot blazed over much to the relief of the run ragged home players. Another long ball nearly led to a Widnes own goal and would have ended the match as a contest and then, after more Southport pressure Ryan Higgins was on the edge of the box, briefly looked up, picked his spot and whoosh, the ball was swept into the far corner to finalise matters and give his team an unassailable advantage.
Widnes now called upon deep reserves, a chance came to grab one back but Southport's No 3 produced a stunning last gasp tackle that denied any thought of a consolation goal. A couple of long shots came via Widnes hopefuls and respect must go to the side for their desire to keep on working and making sure Southport stayed alert and honest throughout. The free-kick they won was deserved as was the goal they pulled back via the head of River Humphries - cracking work all round. From here Widnes came on strong and whilst the two opposing managers bickered on the touchline Southport were put on the back peg as a new lease of life was borne in the home sides hearts who now looked to claw their way back into matters. 88th minute and a through ball was stopped at the last by the keeper, 91st minute and a free-kick was pushed away by the busy netman and on the 92nd minute a corner found Lomax who again was denied by the Southport No 1 who was really earning a late in the day crust. Mason Springthorpe take a bow. Alas, despite the rally time ran out for Widnes but deep pride can be taken in their efforts and for making things positive from what was seeming a hopeless situation. I have pondered tonights Man ofthe Match and am opting for (Ashley Grimes) of Southport, who had a fine game, moved and meandered with talent and as a bonus pocketed a goal - tidy work in a side of nippy, interacting players.
FINAL THOUGHT - So, not the greatest match, not the worst and one of those that, on a cold winter's night, proved that there is much passion about, both on and off the pitch. This was not a good cure for a sore arse but it is better than sitting at home watching the cretin cube or throwing one off the wrist to a Wheel of Fortune repeat (so I am told). Southport are a slick unit who just need to work on the killer touch and Widnes came tonight, as underdogs, and proved that spirit, hard work and desire can go a long way to bridging a gap. It was worth the trip and keeps the football blood flowing - it is what many get by on, and bloody good on em' for their effort.
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