Last minute drama as Blues hold on to win

Simon Garner gave debuts to Cory Bent (signed from AFC Fylde) replacing Zach Clark who has been released by the Club, Matthew Fearon (recently returned from Australia) and Sam Dickinson (Squires Gate).

First chance of the game fell to former Blue Jordan Williams on 3 minutes, when his shot from the area was deflected away for a corner.
On 8 minutes, Danny Wilkins was yellow carded, which looked somewhat harsh.

Cory Bent gave the travelling Blues fans a glimpse of his quick pace on 18 minutes, when he beat a defender and shot across the goal.

Burscough thought they had taken the lead on 28 minutes when they capitalised on a mix-up in the Blues defence. The ball ended up in the net, but the assistant referee had flagged for offside.

A blow for the Blues on 38 minutes, when Danny Brady limped off injured and he was replaced by Adam Freeland. Just before half time both David Lynch & Bent had good chances which came to nothing.

Half time 0-0.

Within two minutes of the re-start, Blues took the lead. Simon Garner's free kick found Matthew Fearon, whose header across the goal was diverted into the net by Burscough's Nick Ryan. A minute later Fearon found himself in space and his shot beat the keeper and just went wrong side of the post.

Cory Bent was in the action again shortly afterwards when he had a shot cleared off the line. Jordan Scott replaced Simon Garner on 52 minutes and Sam Dickinson replaced Fearon on 69 minutes.

Burscough weren't out of the game and after Liam Caddick had a decent shot over the top, Substitute Matty Devine levelled for the Linnets on 75 minutes.

The winning goal came on 81 minutes and it was good reward for Sefton Gonzales, who finished well on the half-volley from a Danny Wilkins cross.

The main drama of the game was in stoppage time, when Andrew Dawber brought down Mark Beesley and referee Gary Hilton instantly awarded a penalty. Dawber saved brilliantly from Beesley's spot kick, but in the aftermath of the Blues players celebration he let his emotions get the better of him. Referee Hilton adjudged this as foul and abusive language and showed a red card.

Sefton Gonzales took the gloves for the remainder of stoppage time and the Blues held on for a deserved victory.

Team: Andrew Dawber, Danny Morton, Seydou Bamba, Danny Brady (Adam Freeland 38), Roberto Bonaminio, Simon Garner (Jordan Scott 52), Cory Bent, David Lynch, Sefton Gonzales, Danny Wilkins, Matthew Fearon (Sam Dickinson 69). Subs not used; Richard Burns & Alex Ralph.