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KESWICK WEST CUMBRIA 1 – 1 MORECOMBE
PROCTOR

This week saw the penultimate fixture in West’s league season as they welcomed league leaders Morecombe.
With just 2 games to go Wests sat four points behind the visitors so 3 points was a must if they were to stand any chance of taking the contest to the last game and try to clinch the league title. However, with third place Lymm just a point behind the Cumbrians, the same 3 points would be just as important in the race for promotion.
The game began with Morecombe very much on the front foot and pegged Wests back in the opening few minutes pressing hard and not allowing KWC out of their own half. Wests had to rely on quick passing to avoid danger but on a couple of occasions the pass went stray and Morecombe were presented with a half chance although they could not convert with particular thanks going to the reliable Harris.
As the game continued Wests began to adapt to the style and pace of their visitors and the contest became more even. The game itself was very much a midfield battle with both teams playing with a patient build up but found the opposition stern and determined in the final third resulting in very few clear cut opportunities. Morgan burst down the left to cut the ball back across the goal line but couldn’t find a finishing touch of KWC while Morecombe for all their good build up had to rely on their short corner routines for their best chances although the West’s defence remained resilient.
With just a few seconds to go before the break, the deadlock was broken. Wests won a short corner, Morgan with a flick was saved, only to be padded down to a unmarked Mark Proctor who collected the rebound and lashed into the net to give the home side a precious lead.
The second half began in similar fashion as the first with Morecombe coming straight out of the traps and attacking at every opportunity although again, their best opportunities came courtesy of the short corner.
Eventually it was through one such short corner that the league leaders equalised amid controversial fashion. The short was played out and Morgan was first there to block the initial shot but the strike connected with his stick and broke it in half signalling an obvious stick tackle. However the play was allowed to continue and the second strike found the goal.
Further officiating came under question 10 minutes later when Swanston was put through on goal expertly by Cook only for the pass to be deemed illegal and the attack was halted.
Very few opportunities were carved out for either side throughout the remainder of the game although the visitors had 2 glorious chances to steal all 3 points at the death with James Fennell blocking superbly on the line in the last few seconds.
With just 1 game to go Wests still occupy second place and the promotion slot but with Lymm and Blackpool holding an extra game in hand, their final position is no longer in their control.