Match Reports

First game of the season and Rope started off quickly as a Jud cross was met by Regan who shot wide from close in. Culcheth wasted their first chance too as a ball over the top sent 3 players clear- the ball struck first time, just wide. A quickly taken free kick gave Rope the opener as Niall Ford was first to react and shoot wide of the keeper. 0-1. Culcheth had their chances as again a ball over the top created panic in the Rope defence and again the shot was hit wide. Rope keeper Callum was then called into action and smother well as the Culcheth striker thundered in on goal. Two more chances went begging for Rope as clear shots on goal were again drilled wide. Some great work from Regan Foy gave Rope the next goal; as he fought to get around the home defence. He was clearly blocked off and the ref immediately gave a penalty- a decision which upset the home supporters. Credit to Regan- he stayed on his feet and didn't make a meal of it but he was probably as surprised as anyone to get the decision. Jud smacked the ball home from the spot 0-2 Rope should have closed the game down with half time approaching but again a lack of communication in the defence saw another long ball sail over the top and the Culcheth striker made no mistake as he chipped over the keeper HT 1-2 Rope continued to waste chances and after a great run and shot by 'Woodsey'- the ball came out to Jud who shot over from in front of goal. More great work by Woodsey as his tackling won the ball for Nial who placed the ball towards the corner only to see a retreating defender produce a great goal line clearance. More Rope chances went begging, Niall firing one at the keeper and Regan slicing one wide before Matthew Kennedy stepped up to hammer a cleared corner back into the corner of the Culcheth net 1-3. That should have been game over and it was almost 4 as Adam went on a great run down the left and was unlucky as the keeper came out bravely to smother. With 10 minutes left that was Rope's last venture forward and Culcheth pushed on. A free kick awarded for hand ball outside the box was expertly looped over the wall and gave the visitors' keeper no chance 2-3. Just seconds left and 3 Culcheth players again ran through the Rope defence. With just Tom Johnson sprinting back it looked a cert that Culcheth would share the points but an absolutely superb tackle by Tom saw the danger cleared and the game won. FT 2-3 Culcheth were clearly unhappy with the penalty decision but Rope really should have been out of sight by then but for some woeful finishing. Lots of improvement needed by the Rope's defence- they were not at the races today.