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Gabs miss out in a thriller

29/ 4/2008

CASTLETON Gabriels were beaten 3-1 by FA Vase finalists Kirkham and Wesham at Castleton Sports Centre on Saturday.

It was a cracking match, and if every game was as good as this the ground would be bulging with spectators.

As it was Gabs had their biggest gate of the season as visiting fans, who had seen their team whip Gabs 8-0 in the return fixture, boosted the gathering of local supporters.

Gabs were almost at full strength, and the men from the Fylde found themselves under early pressure, although keeper Canning had to make a couple of smart saves. It was end to end, and on 15 minutes home fans were cheering when Eastman robbed the visitors’ central defender and fired a superb shot past a well beaten Summerfield.

The ball was in a corner of the net, but to the amazement of everyone the referee had blown for a foul on the defender.Not to be denied, Gabs continued to push forward, and Kirkham were clearly rattled.

It was no more than Gabs deserved when they took the lead on 30 minutes following a brilliant move.

Quick passing between Eastman, Russell and Edwards cut the Kirkham defence to pieces, and when the final pass arrived at the feet of Riley he calmly slotted the ball home. Canning saved well as Kirkham tried to get back into the game, but Gabs should have scored again. With the Kirkham defence in tatters Edwards somehow headed wide of an empty net from six-yard out.

Gabs progress was halted just before half time when central defender McCann received an injury which was to be decisive. Gabs found themselves under intense pressure in the early stages of the second half, and when McCann succumbed on 52 minutes it meant a reorganisation.

Kirkham equalised when Walwyn headed home, and the visitors’ quality began to show through as they pressed forward in numbers.

On 63 minutes Savier hit a screamer which gave Canning no chance, but Gabs, instead of folding, showed their best fighting qualities. Prompted by the superb Jackson, Riley, and the skilful Russell, Gabs launched wave after wave of attacks. Only desperate defending and good goalkeeping kept them at bay.

Five minutes remained when Kirkham broke away for Richards to head past the stranded Canning and put the visitors in front. But even then Gabs were not done for. Summerfield had to make a fantastic save to deny Winstanley in the dying seconds.

Gabs play their final home game of the season on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, when Holker Old Boys are the visitors.