No middleground as revenge is sweet for home side
Styal Res 3 1 Middlewich Town Res.
Styal were keen to avenge the away defeat at Middlewich earlier in the season. Despite chance after chance and a nailed on penalty declined, Middlewich won 1-0 in a completely one sided game. Styal manager Mark Johnson felt robbed and couldn't believe they hadn't taken the points.
So, in effect Styal had a big point to prove.
The home side kept the momentum going with a home win against Middlewich. Another tricky tie meant the team had to be on song to make sure they still have a chance of a 'To three finish'.
Chris McCormack opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a blistering half volley from the angle of the box, after a good flowing move. Styal then started to impose themselves on the game without creating too much. The game became sloppy and neither team really took control which made for a scrappy first half.
The half time team talk obviously worked as Styal came put much more positive in the second half. Middlewich did have some possession but struggled to carve any real clear cut openings. The Styal keeper did have to make a save at the feet of the Middlewich forward after some sloppy defending, leaving a 'One on One' and Middlewich's best chance of the game. The midfield trio of Boardman, Marcus and Nolan then started to see more ball and started to create openings. They went 2-0 after 60 minutes with a superb chip from Nolan after a good positive move. Styal continued to press and despite some Middlewich pressure the Styal defence stood firm and never looked like conceding.
The game was effectively wrapped up on 75 minutes with a long clearance from Ozzie the (Styal keeper), a flick on Buckley and Boardman took the ball under control before un leashing a fierce drive into the roof of the net making from 25 yards, making the score. Middlewich did grab a late goal after 85 minutes but the rally never came and Styal were good for the three points.
Manager Mark Johnson.
A great result against a good side, who really should be higher up the table. Again we didn't start as well as we could but once we started to play football and pass the ball we looked very much in control. We have quality all over the field and we deserved to win. I very much doubt you will se three better goals than you saw tonight, they were truly magnificent and the players deserve huge credit.
The unbeaten run continues and I hope we can finish it off with two more wins, second spot is still possible and I hope we can make it. We must stay focused and concentrate for the next game which is at home on Saturday.
Away day at Crewe provides little return.
Crewe Res 1 1 Styal Res
A run of 5 wins back to back meant Styal, were in top from prior to this mid week away tie. Styal reserves are still chasing a top three finish and a win would mean the top 2 would still be possible. On a fine playing surface Styal started slowly before taking the lead on 20 minutes with a goal from Danny Gregory. Syal were not playing cohesive football and struggled to create clear openings. Matty Barnes should have made it 2 nil on 25 minutes after forcing his way into the penalty area, and clear of the defenders before slotting the wall wide.
The second half was more of the same with neither side really taking control. Crewe started to get some possession and created one or two chances. Gregory went close twice and could not convert the 'One on Ones' with the Crewe keeper. On 70 minutes Crewe got an equaliser after poor defending by Styal. Despite two substitutions Styal were unable to convert two further chances and had to settle for a draw.
Manager Mark Johnson.
We played poorly, after completing a fantastic win away ay Rylands, we thought all we had to do was turn up and the points were ours.....We blew it, and this performance was simply not good enough....
Styal fair game for three points.
Gamesley Res 1 3 Styal Res
Mid week games can often be tricky, particularly, away and even more so, particularly away at Gamesley.
However Styal were determined to put right the poor performance and result at Crewe. Despite arriving 25 mins late due to poor traffic and a total lack of preparation Styal started brightly with some good possession. The pitch was particularly poor, and good football was hard to come by. However Styal enjoyed some possession and opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a goal from Gardner from just inside the box. Marcus was influential in midfield and won the vast majority of headers and tackles.
The second half saw Gamesley come out strong, they enjoyed the lions share of possession for 15-20 minutes and scored a deserved equaliser after 65 minutes. The game then turned on a refereeing decision on 75 minuses awarding a free kick to Styal 20 yards outside of the Gamesley penalty area. The ball was clipped in and not cleared allowing McCormack to stroke home the ball from close range and give the visitors some breathing space. Styal then started to get on top and Substistute Mark Kendrick sealed the tie on 85 minutes with a volley from 15 yards.
Manager Mark Johnson.
This is a huge result, to come away on a Wednesday evening and get three points is a massive boost. It can be an intimidating place, so you have to match them and be strong. The great thing was we stuck to the task for 90 minutes, at 1-1, I would have settled for the draw but we kept going, that takes character and courage and I'm pleased to say the players want to get a top three spot and remain committed, it makes it worthwhile and instils pride back into the players and management.
Eagle unable to clip Styal wings.
Styal Res 3 1 Eagle Sports Res
Still pursuing a top three spot Styal needed a win to make sure they keep the momentum going. A slightly different formation pushed Buckley into a front three with a midfield three of Nolan, Markus and Boardman.
Despite some good possession Styal didn't look cohesive and the midfield trio struggled to convert the domination into creating chances. However they broke the deadlock on 15 minutes with a goal from Boardman, following a long throw from Marcus into the Eagle box. A defensive blunder led to Eagle equalising on 25 minutes. Matt Barnes left the field with an ankle injury shortly afterwards, allowing Will to get hits first taste of reserve team football. His partnership with Dan Rogers proved to be a positive in the game.
After a rousing team talk from the management team and clear instruction to the midfield three, Styal started the second half with much more verve and they played some excellent football. They scored on 55 minutes with a goal from Nolan, after a flowing passing move and a headed goal.
Styal continued to dominate and Eagle had precious little of the football.
The score was confirmed after 75 minutes went Styal scored a third with Morony beating the keeper at the near post with a shot from 12 yards.
Manager Mark Johnson.
We played very well today, particularly in the second half, with good possession and some flowing football. It sets us up for the Middlewich game on Thursday. We have momentum with us and I feel we can get the points to make sure we finish top three. The players showed good attitude and character.
