Nantwich Town 0
Alsager Town 1
League (NW Counties League Div 1)

Match Report

17 UNBEATEN IN A ROWE

Nantwich Town 0, Alsager Town 1
NWCFL Division 1, 16 March 2004

Determined defending helped Alsager to win this derby battle which kicked off 20 minutes late due to floodlight failure. But, having picked up only 1 point from a run of four home games, the lights have gone out on Nantwich in more ways than one.
This was certainly a derby tussle played at high speed and it was a shame that it was settled by a rare slip-up by Nantwich keeper Stuart Heeps. Heeps failed to control Steve Davis’ routine back pass on 25 minutes and the opportune Gareth Rowe nipped in to steal the ball and roll it into the empty net for one of the easiest goals he’s ever likely to score.
On his return from suspension, Melford Knight was a livewire for Nantwich but it took only 20 minutes for the firebrand to be re-acquainted with the referee’s notebook. The yellow card may have been harsh for what was no more than a robust challenge but Knight showed maturity in walking away from later intimidating challenges - though the caution also served to take some of the sparkle from his performance as the game wore on.
16 year old new boy Thomas Caines worked hard for Nantwich up front alongside the lively Ashley Lawton but it is now more than four games since the Dabbers scored a goal in open play.
Indeed, chances were at a premium for either side. Lawton’s industry forced a corner for the hosts on the quarter-hour from which Knight’s bullet header was tipped over the bar by Rob Powner. Lawton then got behind the Alsager defence but side-footed wide from the edge of the box.
Rowe should have nabbed a brace but his free header from Steve Grocott’s corner was also off target and, after the break, Allen Fraser rifled in a shot which Heeps did well to block.
Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Nantwich were unable to create clear cut chances thanks to stout defending from the visitors. Clever approach play just after the hour led to Cairns charging past his man but his shot across the keeper also skimmed past the upright. Other than a firm Davis header from a Danny Griggs’ corner, the Dabbers failed to pose a threat to Alsager who could have nicked a second when Rowe’s low drive drifted past the post.
It was a disappointing result for Nantwich player-boss Nigel Gleghorn who entered the fray as a late substitute. At the final whistle, the Alsager players jubilantly raised their arms to hail their first ever North West Counties League victory over their neighbours whilst extending their unbeaten sequence to 17 games.

Nantwich Heeps, Hall, Gardiner (Gleghorn,87), Alexander, Davis, Buckle (Hughes,75), Griggs, Knight, Caines, Lawton, Melling. Booked: Knight (21mins).
Alsager Powner, Dick, Fraser (Hurley,80), Elks, Brotherton, Espley, Grocott, Drummond, Rowe (Biddulph,84), Kinsey, Verow. Booked: Fraser (44mins), Espley (89mins).

Match report written by Michael Chatwin