Laird scrape a win in battle

Feb 18 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

CAMMELL LAIRD took the honours after a ding dong battle with Shepshed in the UniBond League Division One South.

The visitors only had to wait until the 14th minute to take the lead against their lowly Leicestershire hosts, Thomas Rooney beating the home offside trap to open the scoring for the Birkenhead promotion hopefuls.

Five minutes later Rooney showed his pedigree when he found himself in acres of space and only Gary Hateley in the Dynamo goal to beat, a deft lob ensured Lairds went in at the break two up.

John Collins saw red just before the turnaround after an altercation with Shepshed skipper Richie Butler.

The hosts came out strong in the second period and after just 90 seconds pulled a goal back when Shane Benjamin converted a Robbie Banks cross. Benjamin restored parity for the homesters, converting a 70th minute penalty.

With 10 men Laird emerged on top after capitalising on a defensive lapse, Alex Hay slotting home an easy winner when one on one with Hateley.

The win sees Laird consolidate their second place in the division and keep the pressure on Retford for the one automatic promotion spot.

LAIRDS: Whitfield, Sheehan, Lynch, S Jones, Brookes, Collins, Jebb (G Rooney 51), Porter, T.Rooney (Wright 70), Hay (Melia 87), Adamson

ATTENDANCE: 136