Work ethic boosts Burscough’s hopes

Feb 25 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BURSCOUGH came back from Northamptonshire on Saturday as not only the fourth team this season to defeat the Blue Square North leaders, but as confirmed contenders for promotion via the play-offs.

The Linnets withstood some early pressure from Kettering, then grabbed the lead in the 33rd minute. Midfielder Alan Moogan had the vision to put striker Ciaran Kilheeney into space behind the home defence, a position from which the Linnets marksman rarely misses.

Kettering responded with a Craig Westcarr free-kick that Burscough’s in-form keeper Tony McMillan did well to keep out, before they mounted a second-half onslaught.

Jean-Paul Marna and Chris Beardsley were all thwarted by McMillan, while Westcarr put in a succession of dangerous balls from wide positions.

Burscough had former Watford striker Allan Smart alongside Kilheeney giving Kettering much to think about.

After the game Linnets manager Liam Watson said; “We rode our luck a bit at times, but the work ethic instilled into the players pulled us through.”

KETTERING TOWN: Harper, Eaden, Graham (Kemp 62), Dempster, Branston, Solkhon, Westcarr (Hall 72), Mills, Beardsley (Rawle 77), Marna, Bridges. Subs: Brady, Bussey.

BURSCOUGH: McMillan, Moogan B, Clancy, Fitzhenry, Flynn, Parry (Tomlinson 89), Booth (Davis 90), Moogan A, Smart (Dunn 85), Kilheeney, McGinn. Subs: Noone, Price.

REFEREE: Steve Bennett. ATT: 1,339.