Neston put in dismal display against derby rivals Oxton

Feb 18 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NESTON South Wirral produced a dismal performance when they crashed 3-0 at home to Oxton.

With several regulars absent, the home side never got to grips with the visiting side, who showed far more cohesion on the day.

Due to having a makeshift forward line, Neston rarely troubled the Oxton goal in the first period and it was left to the defence to keep them in the game.

Neston repeatedly squandered possession as Oxton’s confidence grew – although it required some good fortune for the visitors to take the lead on the stroke of half time, when Pete Cole’s weak shot squirmed under Shepherd in the Neston goal.

Oxton continued to make the running after the interval, when Neston failed to improve and it was no surprise that Oli Jones extended their lead.

But the game became increasingly scrappy from both teams – although Oxton always looked more threatening going forward.

Only a combination of last-ditch defence and wasteful finishing kept the score down. Matty Newall worked tirelessly in the Neston midfield.

But Oxton’s defence was rarely stretched and when Kristian Rodrigues fired in a third, Neston’s misery was complete.

Next weekend, Neston hit the road again, facing a strong Colwyn Bay side on Saturday, before playing a rearranged game at Witney in Oxfordshire on Sunday.