Neston hit by defeat

Feb 16 2011 by James Connor, Birkenhead News

NESTON South Wirral produced a mediocre performance as they crashed to a 4-2 defeat at Northop Hall.

The Parkgate side got off to a nightmare start, as Northop were dubiously awarded a penalty stroke within the first 30 seconds of the game, but Rich Lowry saved brilliantly.

This failed to inspire a sluggish looking Neston team though, and Nick Critchley gave Northop the lead moments later.

Neston struggled to retain the ball for any sustained period, but they did hit back after 16 minutes, when Dan Khedun finished well from an Aled Jarvis pass.

Unfortunately, the home team struck again when Critchley tapped in from close range after Neston's defence were caught napping.

However, Neston were delighted to get back on level terms before the break as Rogier Van Der Ouderaa fed Lawrence McNeight who rounded the keeper to slot home.

If the first half had started badly for Neston, they made a worse start to the second with Ed Jones deflecting the ball past Lowry from a clever set play.

This did finally rally the visiting side, and in an incredible 15 minute period Neston laid siege to the Northop goal.

Khedun, Jarvis and Rob Cookson were all culpable though, as Neston proceeded to miss a number of gilt-edged chances. After Northop rode the storm, Neston had Lowry to thank for keeping them in the game and he made a couple of fine saves from Dave Chacksfield.

It was to be in vain though, and Neil Worrall made it 4-2 with a sublime lob.

In the dying moments Neston went close to another goal, but McNeight saw his effort come back off the crossbar.

This Saturday, Neston welcome an erratic Manchester team to Parkgate.

Elsewhere, the all conquering ladies first team clinched promotion from Cheshire Division 2 after Suzy Twist and Sarah Fearnley helped them to a 2-0 success at Crewe.