After going down twice in the game, Lairds scored two equalisers either side of half time but the Wirral side could only gain a point at Kirklands.
Early in the game, Lairds left back Connor Courtnell had a cross deflected high up in the air, Rangers’ goalkeeper couldn’t claim the catch and spilled the ball to the feet of Michael Furlong. The forward couldn’t take this opportunity after a tremendous goal line clearance from Alex Hall kept the scores at even.
After a flurry of chances at either end it was The Meresiders who took the lead from the penalty spot after Colm Lynch was found guilty of trip just inside the area. It was Tawanda Melusi who stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The home side upped the tempo and were only down for a matter of five minutes. League top scorer, Luke Blondel sprinted away down the right hand side and crossed the ball low. It was Furlong on hand to tap into an empty net first time.
Just before the half time whistle, it was Ellesmere who would have the lead at the break. An interception from Jack Briscoe was followed by a great through ball to Melusi. He danced his way around the goalkeeper for his second.
Seven minutes into the second half Lairds keeper, Richard Cowderoy thought he’d cleared the ball from danger, but an outrageous volley sailed over his head from inside the centre circle. Unfortunately for Seta Ellis it went just wide of the left post.
A second Lairds equaliser came at three-quarter time. A precise ball through for Kyle Samber where he dinked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper. Blondel once again was the provider.
In the dying seconds of the game it was the visiting side who had the last chance. Melusi squared the ball to Brenon Price who could only find the right leg Cowderoy in goal to end the game 2-2.
Cammell Laird 1907
Cowderoy(GK), Hulley, Courtnell, Byrne, Jewell, N Lynch, Bathgate, C Lynch(c), Sambor, Blondel, Furlong.
Ellesmere Rangers
Cains(GK), Fletcher, Courtney, Hall, Lloyd, Ellis, Melusi Carpenter, Briscoe, Bailey, Price.
Referee. Darren Whitfield. Assts. Joe Markland. Henry Naylor.
Attendance 102
