Whitegate returned to action against Halton Borough Town. After 10 weeks since our last run out, we took on a strong Halton side in our first preseason friendly.

 

Following a long 10 weeks without a game, it was clear to see the excitement on the players and coaches faces upon arrival.

 

We had 16 lads all raring to get back into action, which included the return of Mitch Bailey and after being taught how to dribble by his newborn, Tom Carney made his comeback.

 

Against one of the best sides we play, it was always going to be a tough challenge and that’s exactly what we had. Halton dominated possession in the opening minutes moving the ball around well, but a well organised defensive line limited the visitors to one attempt on target in the opening stages.

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Halton’s striker was able to get a first time shot away that was deflected towards the bottom corner but a superb reflex save from Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft denied the striker.

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The visitors continued to push for the opening goal and in the 20th minute, the pressure finally told. Halton’s winger bypassed the oncoming defender before firing a shot across goal. The attempt was saved but the rebound fell kindly for the visitors who made no mistake from close range.

 

Halton quickly doubled their lead minutes later. The winger was involved again, this time he was found with a ball over the top and he made no mistake doubling the lead.

 

As the game progressed, Whitegate was able to get a foothold in the game. Lewis Williams and Jack Lanceley found space in

midfield as the hosts looked to play out from the back.

 

On the half-hour, Whitegate pulled themselves back into the game. A well-worked attack involving, Kev Beresford, Carney and Williams resulted in the ball landing at the feet of Williams who gave the keeper no chance.

 

Both sides had chances to score more goals in the first half but both goalkeepers were in fine form.

 

The second half saw Whitegate have more enjoyment playing the possession football manager, Gary Yeo, wanted the side to play. Carney and Eves with efforts on goal.

 

As both sides made changes, Halton were able to get on top again. Boulter-Ashcroft pulled of a brilliant save after the Halton striker found himself in on goal.

 

In the times Halton saw the efforts go past Boulter-Ashcroft, captain Martyn Boaler was on hand to clear the ball off the line on not one but two occasions.

 

With 15 minutes remaining and as Whitegate got tired, Halton grabbed a third and fourth. A goal-bound effort was deflected past a helpless Boulter-Ashcroft before an effort from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.

 

As Whitegate pushed to get themselves back into the game for the second time, they were caught on the counter-attack with Halton grabbing their fifth.

 

Having fallen behind further, Whitegate finished the game in style. A flowing move down the left wing saw Tom Corbin play a one-two with Graham Bridges to get away down the line. He then found Sam Eves in the middle who smashed the ball past the keeper with his weak foot to make it 5-2. Yes, that does say weak foot! It surprised everyone including Sam himself!

 

A good run out for Whitegate in their first preseason game. Plenty of positives to take away from the game with the season only a few weeks away.