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Lovitt secures good win for Gabs

29/ 3/2008

Castleton Gabriels 2 Stone Dominoes 1: DESPITE windy conditions both teams produced a cracking game of football for a small but appreciative crowd.

Gabs pressed forward in the early exchanges and Barrington brought a great save from Stone’s goalkeeper. The same player was not to be denied in the 12th minute when he latched on to a long clearance and calmly lobbed the advancing keeper to hand Gabs the lead.

The setback stirred Dominoes into action and for long periods they pushed the hosts back deep into their own territory. But with Brannick and Russell dominant at the heart of the Castleton defence, goalkeeper Canning had only one save to make in the first half.

Playing with the wind in their favour after the interval, Stone continued to press but created little in the way of clear chances. Indeed, Gabs had the better efforts at goal, and Jackson should have made it 2-0 but fired over from a good position.

Striker Haddrell thought he had levelled for Stone, but an assistant referee insisted the ball had gone out of play in the build up.

Within five minutes of that close shave, Gabs doubled their advantage. Collecting the ball 30 yards from goal, young substitute Jamie Lovitt beat three defenders, turned, and unleashed a low shot into a corner of the net.

A defensive mix up late on allowed Stone a consolation goal, but in the end Gabs were worthy winners, the entire squad having played a part in what was a fine performance.

Bootle 3 Castleton Gabriels 0: On Easter Monday, injury-hit Gabs travelled to Merseyside to face a very strong Bootle team. In cold conditions Gabs found themselves a goal down after only eight minutes. They failed to pick up midfielder Black who stole into the area to head past Canning.

Gabs were up against it. Barrington, Lovitt and Evans found the going tough up front, while the midfield and defence worked flat out to keep Bootle at bay.

Gabs worked hard, but the hosts could have doubled their lead on 40 minutes when awarded a dubious penalty. Fortunately for Gabs the spot kick was blasted wide.

Bootle increased their lead within a minute of the restart when Hay hammered home from 12 yards. With three Bootle players in what appeared to be offside positions, Gabs felt aggrieved, but they rolled their sleeves up and refused to be brushed aside.

Several players were carrying knocks, but the visitors started to ask questions of the Bootle backline.

However, it was all over when a brilliant pass from man of the match Rainford found Hay unmarked. He coolly fired home to clinch a 3-0 win for Bootle.

Gabs entertain Ashton Town today, kick off 3pm at Castleton Sports Centre. On Tuesday they are at home to Eccleshall from Staffordshire, kick off 7.45pm.