Royton Raptors 1 - 4 Shawdale

Eastmond at the double…….

Shawdale playing their first game of the season in their new sponsored strip.

This opening game also had a bit of a twist too it, playing away, but at home…any ideas?

Well…yes, they now ground share with Royton this season, so they where in familiar surroundings for the opening game of the season.

Shawdale started the strongest, playing up the slope, attacked at every opportunity and on 8 minutes opened the scoring, after Royton didn’t clear their lines, Corey swooped like an eagle on to the lose ball and his shot flew into the bottom left corner.

Holmes nearly made it two, two minutes later, as he made a powerful run down the flank, cut inside, only seeing his shot go inches wide.

Roytons game plan was to try and take Shawdale on the break, with long high balls up front, to their dangerous left winger, who had pace to burn.

Through one of these high ball into the box, which wasn’t dealt with, Royton opened their account onto the score sheet, as the ball bounced, their number ten, rocketed it into the back of the net against the run of play.

Shawdale only played in third gear for much of the game, by over complicating things, and passes going astray. At the turn around, everyone expecting an avalanche of goals to stream down on the home side.

This didn’t really materialise until the last ten minutes, when Shawdale took control.

Not saying they weren’t all morning, but there was just that something missing.

Moores at the back was a revelation, blocking out any of the home sides high balls with some thunderous clearing headers.

Royton playing to their strength, the left wing was having some effect, but never really threatened Ellidge’s goal.

Shawdale did look good in parts, with some good one touch passes, only a stubborn Royton defence that stuck to their guns all game keeping the visitors at bay.

That was until 80 minutes, when Shawdale went through the gears, firstly the dangerous Scott foster, who change the dimension of the game, when he came on, put an inch perfect diagonal ball, for Durrant to run onto and slot past the keeper for a 3-1 lead.

Minutes later, the ever ready Durrant made a blistering break down the right wing, leaving every one in his wake, squared the ball to Eastmond, who side footed the ball home for his brace and for the three points.

Post match interview Coach Wylie was asked about his few choice words through the game… he uttered, 

“Just sometimes, I just need to gee the lads up and get them focused, if I’m not playing, the only thing I can do is shout and scream….

We have won our first game; we build from this and prepare for the Lancashire Trophy game next week.”