Fleetwood Town 3
Nantwich Town 4
League (NW Counties League Div 1)

Match Report

Nantwich marksman Wes Wilkinson put Fleetwood to the Sword with a two-goal haul that took his scoring spree to 11 goals in the last ten games. In an entertaining game, the 18-goal striker tipped the balance in a see-saw game by the seaside with a brace that included the match winner six minutes from time.
Nantwich, though, should not have needed such a late reprieve. They dominated proceedings in the first half and should have had more in the locker than a 3-1 lead at the interval.
Dale Melling had put the Dabbers ahead on 12 minutes after trickery on the by-line by Wilkinson but Fleetwood pulled level when Leon Gierke netted at the second attempt after Simon Pay had done well to block.
Within five minutes, Wilkinson had restored the visitors’ lead following good work by Simon Hackney. Chris Hampshire had chances to extend the lead but, just on half-time, Nigel Gleghorn was dragged down on the edge of the box giving Mark Gardiner the opportunity to fire home a spectacular free-kick.
Fleetwood struck back in the second period, Gierke struck the bar before Lee Catlow and Stuart Holloway netted in a five minute spell midway through the half to level matters.
Then came the late winner which, on the balance of play, Nantwich deserved. Melling’s long range drive was too hot for Andy banks to hold and Wilkinson pounced to ram the ball home and seal victory, extending the Dabbers unbeaten league run to seven games.
Fleetwood Banks, Archbold, Dermott, Curwen, Flannery, Holloway (Eatough, 87), Mainds, Cheal, Gierke, Barnes, Catlow. Booked: Archbold (55mins)
Nantwich Pay, Hall, Gardiner, McVey, Gleghorn, Melling, Brookes, Vickers, Hampshire (Dawson, h-t), Wilkinson, Hackney. Booked: None
Star Man Wes Wilkinson – Two goals and a threat throughout the 90 minutes.

Match report written by Michael Chatwin