Cammell Laird 1
Nantwich Town 2
Cheshire Senior Cup (Semi-Final)

Match Report

Cheshire Senior Cup .Semi Final.

Wednesday 13th February.2008.

Cammell Laird 1 v NANTWICH TOWN 2
Joe Gibilru.50. Ashley Carter.70.
Paul Taylor.74.


Following postponements in late January and early February the tie was
switched from The Weaver Stadium to the ‘Kirklands under direction from
the Cheshire FA.

Despite expressions of unease at this arrangement ‘The Dabbers’ were in
very determined mood prior to the reluctant visit to Merseyside. However,
our preparations began rather badly when, despite leaving The Weaver
Stadium on time, severe volume of traffic in the Chester area delayed our
arrival at the ‘Kirklands’ until 7.30pm, just 15 minutes ahead of kick off.

But, despite the early setback, and not having played a competitive game
since the 5-1 drubbing of Cammell Laird in the UniBond League Presidents
Cup Quarter Final back on the 26th of January, ‘The Dabbers’ edged a very
competitive first half. Danny Griggs was in with a chance of giving us a 30th
minute lead but, unfortunately shot wide at the last whilst later in the half,
Andy Kinsey went close with a shot that skimmed a post. Overall, chances
were at a premium in the first period with the ‘Lairds’ receiving three
cautions whilst failing to seriously test our custodian Lee Jones.

The second half was a more tense affair, in particular as Cheshire Senior
Cup holders ‘Lairds’ battled to retain their grip on the silverware but, despite
Joe Gibilru giving Cammell Laird a 50th minute lead our players gave no
quarter and carved out an opening in the 70th minute when ‘Ash’ Carter
spotted a gap between their central defenders before squeezing through to
fire past Paul Whitfield from close range and level the tie. Sensing we could
achieve back to back cup victories over our hosts the lads seized every
opportunity to snatch a second goal and were rewarded in the 74th minute for
their persistence when, from a long Glyn Blackhurst throw in, Paul Taylor
latched on to the ball before driving a shot beyond despairing goal keeper
Whitfield. The home side placed us under pressure in the closing minutes
and grazed the bar in added time but, ‘The Dabbers’ remained firm to the
last and completed a well earned victory to face Blue Square Premier Club
Altrincham in the final (venue / date to be arranged).
An ecstatic Steve Davis commented:- “ A fantastic, well deserved result
from a resolute and determined set of players. We were up for it from the
outset but, despite falling behind, we showed great commitment right to the
finish. Great support from the traveling faithful once again provided us with
a massive lift. It will be the first final we have played in since winning the
FA Vase and it is one that we really are determined to win”.

Match report written by Phil Johnson