Keswick 1s 3-1 City of Manchester 2s

The town has been a fortress this season as the lads 1st XI have won all 11 matches played including two in National Vase. With the possibility of promotion high on the agenda this was a key game indeed.

Keswick started remarkably slowly for a change & really struggled to get a decent foothold against a strong experienced side who are looking at bouncing straight back to Div 2 after relegation last term.

Keswick’s normally free flowing style was missing as an error strewn half was played out with very few scoring opportunities being created by either team. Tension was high as well & it showed in a nervous performance. Seconds before the half time whistle the hosts secured a penalty corner, which Tom Morgan slotted home high into the net to arguably take the lead against the run of play.

Minutes after the break Manchester were level! The visitors coming hard out of the blocks had a spell of pressure in Keswick’s 25 leading to their forward with his back to goal. Swivelling 180 degrees he reversed hit a shot high past Harris to equalize. Game on again!

Keswick were now playing a more controlled match & had the greater possession & therefore chances, many created by Man of the Match Mark Proctor in midfield, but Keswick just could not add to that single goal. A superb match between two well matched sides could have gone either way. 15 minutes into the half a speedy move down the right flank resulted in a deflection off a defenders foot into the goal leaving the visitors keeper totally stranded. Keswick kept on the front foot & went all out for the 3rd killer goal but had to be wary as Manchester were always dangerous when in possession. With 5 minutes remaining Keswick put the game safe when Rikki Barnes tapped in after great teamwork once again. With three matches remaining in the league, Keswick have to win all three & hope Manchester or Blackpool falter although these two have to play one another very soon!