Neston in a tough win

Sep 30 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NESTON South Wirral opened their league campaign with a hard fought 5-3 win at home to Oxton 2nd XI.

Neston dominated the early proceedings, and it was Dan Khedun who scored the first competitive goal on the new pitch, when he fired into an open net. Schoolboy, Tom McCurdy put Neston two up on 15 minutes when his low drag flick deceived Cobley in the Oxton goal. However, complacency set in as slack defensive work allowed Alan Lamb to score a fine goal from Oxton's first attack. Tom Hughes, then produced a precise finish to level the scores at the interval to leave Neston reeling.

The home side regrouped at half time, and any nerves were calmed when veteran striker, Mark Shipley, finished expertly after good work from Smith and Donnelly. Shipley just about kept his balance to grab Neston's fourth, and when Van Der Ouderraa's powerful corner strike was deflected into the net, Neston looked home and dry. Oxton had other ideas though, and Ian Muir's wild shot was deflected into his own net by Brooker as he tried to avoid another trip to casualty. Neston survived a few anxious moments late on, but held firm to take the three points.

This weekend, Neston have a difficult league trip to Brooklands on Saturday, before they welcome National Premier League giants Cannock to Parkgate on Sunday (1pm) in the National Cup. It will be a David versus Goliath occasion as Neston, winners in 1983, have somewhat fallen from grace since then, and will be tested to the limit against the eight times National League Champions, who currently ply their trade six divisions above Neston.