Wasteful Neston crash to controversial loss

Jan 19 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

Sefton 3 Neston South Wirral 2

A CONTROVERSIAL late goal sent Neston South Wirral crashing to their first defeat of the year, as they went down 3-2 at Sefton in North Division 2.

After a bright opening from Neston, the hosts took the lead after 15 minutes when Matty Lennox powered in a drag flick.

However Neston were soon on level terms, as Greg Brooker was allowed time to get his head up and drill a pass to Rob Cookson, who deflected past the home keeper.

Neston began to seize the initiative, and were awarded a penalty after a rash lunge in the circle, but unfortunately, top scorer Andy Knight saw his flick saved.

The visitors weren’t to rue the miss for long though, and Dutchman Rogier Van Der Ouderaa fired the Parkgate men ahead from a set-piece.

Van Der Ouderaa saw another effort well saved, whilst Sefton’s Jake Herman managed to put a shot over the cross-bar from literally two yards out.

Herman made amends just before the break though, as he slipped the ball past Rich Lowry to make it 2-2.

After the interval, Neston enjoyed the lions share of possession, with much of the game played in the Sefton half, but they failed to find a finishing touch to several passes that flashed across the home goal.

Sefton were always dangerous on the counter attack though, and they saw a couple of glaring chances go begging when it looked easier to score.

With time running out, and both teams seemingly settling for a point, Sefton skipper Steve Smith was fed the ball in the circle, but seemed to control it with both feet before regaining his composure to flick into the Neston goal.

Despite Neston protests the goal was allowed to stand, although the Sefton celebrations were notably muted.

In the dying seconds, Neston won two penalty corners, but Sefton hung on for the three points.

This Saturday, Neston entertain Northern from Crosby.