Burscough defensive success

Dec 3 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BURSCOUGH manager Liam Watson worked hard in midweek to solve a defensive crisis at Victoria Park, culminating in the signing of Earl Davis from Hyde United.

And without the work of Watson, Burscough would undoubtedly have floundered against the Blue Square North high-fliers from Northamptonshire.

During the first half the main bright spot for Burscough was the enterprise of Craig Noone and the miserly attitude of what in recent weeks had been a rather porous defence.

Burscough keeper Tony McMillan saved well from Jon Brady in the 46th minute, then Poppies striker Mark Rawle blazed against the Linnets bar in the 55th minute before Burscough grabbed a 68th minute lead. Matt Parry set up Ciaran Kilheeney to drive low into the net from 18 yards.

Kettering bounced back and the increased pressure on Burscough reached fruition the 75th minute, Brady equalising from 20 yards after latching on to a rebound.

Referee Brumwell quite rightly denied Kettering a second goal in the 82nd minute because of offside, then Kilheeney agonisingly failed to reach a Parry cross.

BURSCOUGH: McMillan, Flynn, McGinn, Davis, Kilbane, A Moogan, Roberts, Price, Smart (Parry 61), Kilheeney, Noone Subs (not used): Clancy, McIntosh, C Robinson, Lowe.