Burscough lose in controversy

Mar 3 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

BURSCOUGH’S seven-match unbeaten run that has seen them move to within touching distance of the Blue Square North play-offs ended in controversy at St Georges Lane on Saturday.

In the 76th minute, with the score tied at a goal each, home defender Chris Smith clearly handled the ball and prevented it from reaching the Linnets ace marksman Ciaran Kilheeney. Within a few moments the play switched down to the other end and Worcester striker Craig Wilding volleyed into the Linnets net for the winner.

After the game Burscough manager Liam Watson said: “I have just spoken to the referee, he says the defender handled the ball, but it was accidental.”

The game started in spectacular fashion for Burscough, as they took the lead in the eighth minute. Matt Parry storming into the home penalty area before putting an unstoppable diving header past City keeper Cameron Belford after some fine work on the left by Noone.

Worcester equalised on the half-hour, Walker slamming the ball into the top corner from 15 yards, from a corner.

WORCESTER CITY: Belford, Clarke, Gill, Smith C, Munday, Wood (Price J 89), Ward, Walker, Dinsmore (Burtoft 90), Wilding, Clegg Subs: Smith D, Brown, Tyack.

BURSCOUGH: McMillan, Moogan B. (Tomlinson 82), Clancy (Booth 82), Flynn, Kilbane, McGinn (Price C 62), Parry, Moogan A, Smart, Kilheeney, Noone. Subs: Davis, Dunn.

REFEREE: Danny Gratton (Stone, Staffs).

ATT: 782.