Ladybridge v Westhoughton Rangers LFA Cup Semi Final

It was touch and go whether this game would be played this afternoon after the inclement weather of the past week. A big thank you has to go to Neil Pickup and Steve Hill whose hours of preparation in the morning helped to ensure that a playable surface was presented to both teams. The game started in bright and windy conditions which would prove difiicult for both teams to play the style of football that they would want to in such an important game. Josh, Patrick and Tom started on the bench for Ladybridge. The early exchanges were fairly even with both teams looking good on the break. The No 11 for the Rangers looked particulary dangerous going forward and it was an effort from him after about 5 mins that nearly opened the scoring but his effort just went wide of Conor's right hand post. Rangers started to press forward well in the next 5 minute spell and good teamwork and passing through the midfield found their No 16 in space 15 yards out and he unleashed an unstoppable drive high and to the left of Conor to make it 0-1 Rangers. 

Going behind in games is something we are used to and from the kick off Cole was found in space down the left and was unlucky not to equalize when his shot went wide from 25 yards out. Rangers continued to play some good football and managed to frustrate the Ladybridge team with some good possession play and managed to push our lads back constantly in the next 10 minute spell. The wind was to play its part in the next goal when a clearance out of Conor's hands over the half way line found Taylor free in the centre of the field. Taylor shrugged off the challenge of a Rangers defender and charged through to the Rangers box with just the keeper to beat and he made no mistake as he slotted home to make it 1-1. Ladybridge now started to get their game going and Cole was unlucky not to score when his free kick went wide from about 30 yards out shortly after Ladybridge's goal. Both teams had opportunities to add to the score before half time and smart work by both keepers ensured that no further goals were scored. Half Time 1-1.

Tom replaced Ollie at half time. Ladybridge started the 2nd half better than they did in the first and a smart run by Cole down the left found James who in turn found Taylor just offside with just their goalkeeper to beat. Rangers No 11 was a player that caught my eye in the first half and he was very unlucky not to score when a close range effort bounced off the inside of Conor's right hand post and out to be scrambled away by the Ladybridge defence. Taylor is always threatening on the break for Ladybridge and a run in the box was brought to a quick end by the Rangers keeper whose challange was deemed a foul so the ref pointed to the spot - penalty kick Ladybridge. Cole stepped up to take the penalty but unfortunately for Ladybridge the keeper made up for his earlier error by saving well to his right. Patrick replaced Callum for Ladybridge shortly after. Rangers then upped their game after this reprieve and their No 11 again went close to scoring when he shot just wide after a strong run down the left. Rangers always looked dangerous with a direct style that kept Ladybridge's defenders on their toes. Dion picked up an injury mid through the half and was replaced by Josh. The last meaningful effort from Rangers came through their striker when he broke through strongly only to see his shot saved well by a diving Conor to his right. Ben left the field to be replaced by Dion. The last ten minutes of the game was played at a frantic pace by both teams and a goal by either would have probably won it for them but unfortunately a goal was not forthcoming and the game finished 1-1. 

I fully expected there to be a period of extra time to try and settle the game before penalties but alas this wasn't to be as the officials started to organise both sides for a penalty shoot out. Rangers started the shoot out and their No 7 stepped forward to try and gain an early advantage. Unfortunately for Rangers his effort flew over the crossbar. Cole, having missed a pen in normal time for Ladybridge, proceeded to make no mistake second time around and found the back of the net 1-0 to Ladybridge. Conor now faced the Rangers No 5 and a low drive to Conor's left was not wide enough as Conor managed to push out the shot. Tom stepped up for Ladybridge's second penalty and his powerful high shot down the centre was good enough to make it 2-0 Ladybridge. Rangers No 11 stepped up to take the next penalty and Conor was in no mood to concede as he saved with his legs to deny Rangers. Dion now stepped forward for Ladybridge knowing that a successful attempt would put us through. Looking confident as he stepped back he slotted past a despairing Rangers keeper to make it 3-0 and see us through to the final of the LFA Cup. Penalty shoot out's are always a lottery and Ladybridge were more clinical this afternoon to win this one well without conceding a goal. We knew that this Rangers team would be a real test and so it proved. They created some good chances in both halfs that, if successful, on another day could have made the vital difference to the result. A well organised unit that attack quickly with pace they had our defence and keeper on their respective toes throughout the whole game. We wish their team, coaches and supporters all the best for the rest of their season. 

Ladybridge are a tough team and always seem to find a way to win. All the boys give 100 percent effort week in and week out and although we would have preferred to win the game in normal or extra time their collective will to succeed allowed them to be ultimately successful this afternoon. Well done lads your coaches and supporters are all very proud of you!

Our next fixture is on 29th January in the Tameside Challenge Cup at home against Heyside @ 2pm.

Gordon