MSB Woolton produced a spirited comeback to earn a vital 3-1 win over Garstang in what could prove to be a key relegation clash, writes Sam Lawrence at The Jericho Hub.
After falling behind early, the Woo responded emphatically with first-half goals from Joe Harvey, Daniel Ventre and Lucas Wilson to secure just their second league win since the start of autumn.
Both sides came into the match off the back of defeats and sitting side-by-side in the bottom two of the North West Counties First Division North. Woolton had beaten Garstang 5-1 in the FA Vase earlier in the season, but that momentum had long faded, making this a crucial fixture in their survival fight.
The game began in cagey fashion on a slick pitch under light drizzle. The visitors had the ball in the net early when Liam Clegg raced through, only for the referee to call it back for offside. Woolton responded with their first real chance just six minutes in as Ventre slipped in Matthew Robinson, who forced an excellent save from keeper Joe Lawton.
But Woolton gifted Garstang the opener in the 12th minute. Goalkeeper Charlie Jones miscued a clearance straight to Joseph Hopper, who squared for Weslie Bajraliu to tap home from close range. However, the home side hit back instantly. A loose back pass from Louis Edwards was pounced on by Robinson, and although his initial effort was saved, Harvey followed up to convert the rebound.
Moments later, the chaos continued as Garstang’s George Lord missed a clear one-on-one, but it was Woolton who struck next. A corner caused panic inside the Stang penalty area, and when Elliot Bradshaw failed to clear properly, Ventre was on hand to smash the ball into the top corner from the back post to make it 2-1.
Woolton were now in full control, and their dominance produced a third goal before half-time. Robinson burst down the left and picked out Wilson on the penalty spot, who placed a composed finish into the bottom right corner. Only the crossbar denied Wilson a second in stoppage time after a brilliant solo run.
Garstang made changes after the break and briefly threatened when Philip Nagy’s header was cleared off the line. Woolton also felt they had another goal when Jonathan Liddle’s header appeared to cross the line before being hooked away, but the referee waved play on.
Chances were fewer in the second half as Woolton managed the game well. Harvey went close to scoring again after latching onto a defensive mix-up, but his finish rolled inches wide.
After the match, Woolton defender Jonathan Liddle praised the team’s resilience. He said the early mistake tested their character but felt the players “fought for every second ball and took real control of the game,” adding that the side must use this performance as a platform to climb out of danger.
The result lifts Woolton above Garstang and hands them a much-needed boost in their push to escape the relegation zone.
MSB Woolton: Jones, Liddle, Clarke, Moran, Vaughan (C), Tummino, Ventre, McAlister, Robinson (Okeregha 67’), Harvey, Wilson
Garstang: Lawton, Turton, Bradshaw (McDermott 85’), Edwards (Hancox 70’), Lord, Nagy, Hopper (Mather 70’), Nelson (Wilkes 45’), Bajraliu, Clegg, Cooper
