Match Reports

Classic goals send Newton through to Final!
Newton hit a purple patch early in the second half to notch some first class goals to finally see off a spirited challenge from Haydock who had contributed throughout in a good, entertaining semi-final.

It was Newton who were first out of the blocks and their good approach play and sure passing soon had Haydock on the back foot. However, as so often this season they failed to apply any real pressure where it counts the most and Haydock began to grow in confidence at the quarter mark. It was a typical, nervy semi-final at this stage with neither side giving an inch. Chances were at a premium and with Newton only managing one shot on goal after 20 mins, Haydock’s ‘stand-in’ keeper was a relieved player! He then actually pulled off a great save at the near post when he somehow blocked a goal bound shot.

Some of Newton’s season long failings then began to show as some heads dropped, whilst others simply strolled around the field contributing very little for the cause.

With Haydock gathering momentum the alarm bells were ringing, especially when a couple of gilt-edged chances came their way. However, they too looked short of any real finishing power so no real surprise when a goalless first half was brought to a close. Plenty of huff and puff ,but nothing to blow either house down at this stage!

How different the second period proved to be! Newton introduced their no-nonsense sub and he immediately injected some much needed energy into the proceedings.

Within 2mins of the re-start his strike partner suddenly found enough room from a good right wing cross to drill a solid shot straight through the Haydock defence to open the scoring and gave Newton something of note to defend.

It was not long before the same striker gave them a second goal and this time it was a real gem! Haydock’s defenders were now finding a resurgent Newton a real hand full and as the ball broke loose a fantastic strike crashed into the net to register a 2-0 lead that would now be hard to claw back.

Haydock tried manfully, but still lacked sufficient strength up front to fluster Newton’s two central defenders who were having a superb match as they time after time countered any real threat with coolness personified. It was these two that began the move that floored Haydock totally.Some clever passing through to the midfield undid Haydock and with a failure to pick up another midfield runner they paid the ultimate price 17mins into a blistering Newton spell of play.The midfielder strode on to skillfully slide home a third impressive goal.

It was great stuff and this period had well and truly settled this match.Newton rang more changes to try to keep the energy levels up with the rising temperatures.More chances came, but if they had been registered it would not have been justice as Haydock had given an heroic, gutsy performance.

However, Newton know only too well this season that without any clinical finishing it all means nothing and it was they who found their shooting boots today to produce a superb climax to a season in which they have struggled for the most part.

Well done!