Acklam Football Club

 

ACKLAM v WHINNEY BANKS

Sunday 10th December 2006

 

It was cup week again for Acklam as they hosted Whinney Banks in the 2^nd round of the North Riding Cup.

A strong, bitterly cold wind was always going to make this a difficult match for both teams.

Acklam started the game the better side and scored an early goal, Josh McDermott latched onto a through ball and put Acklam 1-0 ahead. A second followed soon after when a spectacular effort from Alex Hamblen found the net to put Acklam 2-0 ahead. The early goals gave Acklam confidence, but Whinney Banks weren’t in any mood to give up the fight and Acklam’s defence had to be alert to stop their attacks.

A third goal came for Acklam when Adam Lane set off on a mazy run, he left a trail of Whinney Bank’s defenders in his wake, ran into the area, then unselfishly laid the ball back to an unmarked Josh McDermott, who slotted the ball into the net. Acklam 3 v Whinney Banks 0.

Whinney Banks fighting spirit came to the fore, and after a number of strong runs from the midfield they eventually got their reward when one of their forwards latched onto a through ball and shot past the Acklam keeper for a well deserved goal.

This goal spurred Acklam into action, the impressive Adam Lane beat his marker with a delightful turn and again set up Josh McDermott who finished well to score his third, and Acklams fourth goal.

Whinney Banks again bounced back with another goal , again a strong run from midfield, and a good pass found the Whinney Banks forward who ran into the box to finish well and make the scoreline 4-2 to Acklam.

There were further chances at both ends, but neither side managed another goal before the referee blew for half time.

The second half kicked off with the wind seeming as though it was getting stronger and colder, it didn’t seem to effect either team as they both quickly got into their stride. Both teams made forays into the other side half but Whinney Banks were having the better of the early exchanges, they almost reduced the deficit to one goal, but Acklam defender Robert Harrison made a tremendous block as the ball seemed destined for the net. Acklam made Whinney Banks pay for this shortly after when Josh McDermott finished well to put Acklam 5-2 ahead. This was tough luck on Whinney Banks who were close to being just one goal behind, but instead found themselves down by three goals. This setback understandably knocked their confidence and Acklam increased their lead again when goal machine Josh McDermott netted his fifth goal to make the score 6-2 to Acklam.

Whinney Banks got their second wind and to their credit took the game to Acklam, both defences had to be on their toes to as both teams pushed forward, however the match ended with no more goals being scored.

Full Time Acklam 6 v Whinney Banks 2.

 

This was a difficult match for both sides who had to play against the weather as well as the opposition. Great credit must go to both sets of boys who competed well to produce an entertaining game with some great skill on show.

This was another resounding win for the Acklam squad, as always the defence was solid, again the midfield engine room got forward to support the attack while not forgetting their defensive duties, what more can we say about the attack, Josh McDermott keeps on scoring and Adam Lane’s unselfishness keeps on creating chances.

Whinney Banks were a big strong team who made sure Acklam couldn’t relax even when they went ahead early in the game, they played the game with great spirit and commitment.

 

M.O.M. – Joe Stubley – Again covered every blade of grass, his strong running and tackling was the difference between the two midfields.