18th Nov 2017: Probably best forgotten!

Whaley’s incredible 18 game unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday despite being the better side in the first half.

J Kelly set Whaley off to a perfect start; going through on goal he was hacked down in the box and although Callum Spencer got his hand to the penalty Sutton crashed the rebound in.  Whaley reshuffled the defence to counter Toole’s pace down the right flank; Simpson too was a menace in and around the area winning several flicked headers that Tattersall gathered comfortably but the threat remained.

The unfortunate J Kelly, who has missed quite a few games already through injury, took a whack to the ribs and had to leave the play on 21 minutes. Although lacking any real rhythm Whaley did get further chances in the first half that on another day might have extended their lead. J Burgess, on for Kelly, got to the bye line in the six yard box and pulled it back for brother George who couldn’t get his shot in when Will Bailey was possibly a better option. Sutton missed a header at the back post from close range and Spencer saved well from a long range effort from Gilbride. J Burgess broke free to get one on one with the keeper but delayed his shot allowing N Challinor to slide in and clip the ball to safety. The Poynton assistant manager’s conduct throughout the first half was unseemly; his unsporting behaviour and verbal abuse to both players & officials was noted.

Early second half Whaley had to make another substitution with Broome coming on to replace Kay. At this point it didn’t look like Whaley were in too much trouble but in an increasingly dour physical battle and with only one goal separating the teams the game was never safe. Ultimately the home side did force the ball in following Whaley’s inability to clear their lines and this pattern continued and proved to be a decisive factor in the second half when some sloppy clearances resulted in too many free kicks & corners much to Poynton’s aerial advantage. Ultimately a deep corner was headed back across goal, Tattersall choosing to catch took a nudge and dropped the ball for Garvey to toe poke in for a Poynton equaliser.

Now in the ascendency Poynton piled on the pressure and effectively stopped the visitors from playing however against the run of play Spenser couldn’t hold an in swinging free kick from Gilbride and J Burgess was on hand to give Whaley the lead. Thankfully at this point the referee’s patience ran out and to everyone’s relief sent the Poynton assistant manager off for continued verbal abuse.

With Whaley still unable to effectively clear their lines Rob Black was allowed to cross from an acute angle; deceiving everybody the ball went over the keeper’s head only to hit the stanchion and bounce back across the goal line and in. Soon after Toole was allowed to get down the right and his low hard cross hit a Whaley defender smack on the boot and ended up in the net.

Whaley had to go for the equaliser but with too many players committed forward were hit on the break resulting in the chasing defender bringing the Poynton striker down in the box, a straight red for Whaley’s number 4. However Tattersall made a fantastic save to keep the score close but Whaley couldn’t find the equaliser despite some late pressure,.  A good 'industrious' second half by Poynton earnt them the three points albeit aided by Whaley’s much below par performance by all concerned.

J Tattersall; B Sutton (1); R Newton (c); T Streets; J Kay; A Barlow; D Gilbride; W Bailey; S Leadbetter; J Kelly; G Burgess

J Burgess (1) L Morris J Broome