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Matt Brown’s spectacular second half free-kick was enough to earn Whaley Bridge all three points at home to Rylands on Saturday.
Since their Cheshire League inception Whaley have struggled against Rylands but a trademark free-kick from the left-foot wizard, coupled with a third consecutive clean sheet, ensured that Whaley finally put an end to that particular hoodoo.
The clean sheet also guaranteed that Jon Brogden’s men will finish the season with the most miserly home defensive record in the league.
The first half manifested in a ferocious areal battle in which both teams competed manfully but made for a drab spectacle from the perspective of the mutual.
Tattersall was untroubled whilst Whaley probed at the other end, Tom Scorer had the first sight of goal but his effort from the edge of the box was gathered by the goalkeeper.
Scorer’s tireless running was a feature of the first half and his cut back almost found Andy Moss but was cleared before he could apply the telling touch.
Dwolitka and Moss linked up well on the edge of the box but the latter blazed and moments later a slip form the visitor’s right back afforded the former a sight of goal but his shot hit the stanchion.
Half time came and went and just after the hour mark Whaley took a deserved lead; Brown lashing home the type of free-kick that has been symptomatic of his time in a blue shirt.
A red card for Rylands’ Kay Ajayi scuppered any hopes of a recovery for the visitors as Whaley held out for their third win in three and moved up to fifth in the process.
Whaley’s next game is on Bank Holiday Monday when they travel to Poynton before finishing their season away to Rudheath Social on May 9th.
Team:
Tattersall, Brown, C Moss (Whelan), Newton, Bailey, Broome, Sutton, G Burgess, Scorer, Dwolitka, A Moss (Jackson)
Man of the Match: Matt Brown |
