Back to back games at home for Whitegate with Halton Borough Town travelling to Whitegate.

The opening 10 minutes was a tight affair with neither side creating any notable opportunities, both defences definitely on top. The first opportunity fell to Whitegate’s Jack Lanceley who saw his long range effort sail just wide of the far post. Whitegate took the lead on the half hour mark through Sam Ellwood. His dangerous cross proved tricky for the keeper and found the bottom corner.

After the set back of conceding, Halton took control of the game dominating possession passing the ball around well. But they were unable to break through the defence with Captain Martin Boaler and Robbie Allen in control at the back! Boaler intercepted a dangerous looking attack and went on a solo run of his own gliding past three Halton players before finding a teammate to build another attack.

Halton were able to create chances towards the end of the half with a good chance fired over the bar from the inside area. The away side equalised just before the break with a long ball over the top finding the striker and he kept his composure to lift the ball over the on rushing keeper to send the side into the break level at 1-1.

The home side almost had the perfect start to the second half as Lanceley’s curling effort went inches wide. Whitegate had the better of the chances in the second half. This time Chris Hudson went close with a header following a corner.

In the 65th minute, Craig Nicholson gave the home side the lead with a powerful strike leaving the keeper rooted to the spot as the ball flew into the net. The lead was nearly extended through Graham Bridges as Mike Woodray played the winger through on goal but he was unable to find the corner.

Halton levelled the game in the 85th minute with a header finding the back of the net.

Whitegate responded instantly with a screamer from Ben Duffy! Some say it was a cross, he says it was a shot- we will give him the benefit of doubt! What a goal it was!  Surely with only a minute remaining that was the winner! 

It wasn’t! In the final seconds of the game, a Halton free kick found a Halton head who squared the ball to be smashed home from close range to level the scores in the dying seconds 3-3!

A really enjoyable battle between two good sides with a draw being a fair result! Credit to Halton who are a very well organised and a good footballing side. Thanks for travelling over! ⚫️⚪️