Following a win over Chester Nomads last weekend, Whitegate came into the game with confidence but they knew it was going to be a big challenge against a very good Port Sunlight side.

 

The game started with the hosts on the front foot as they opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes. A long ball down the channel was latched onto by the striker, who found the side netting to give his side the lead. Minutes later the hosts doubled their lead as their winger was first to the ball before smashing it past the keeper.

 

After an opening 20 minutes which was controlled by Port Sunlight, Whitegate grew into the game and were unlucky not to pull a goal back through Graham Bridges, but his effort was cleared off the goal line. Entering the final stages of the first half the game became stretched with both sides having chances, but good saves from both goalkeepers sent the teams in at the break with Port Sunlight ahead 2-0.

 

The second half was dominated by Whitegate. The visitors came close to pulling a goal back early on with Lewis Williams hitting the crossbar.

 

Against the run of play, Port Sunlight grabbed a third. Instead of heads dropping Whitegate dug deep to get themselves back into the game with two quick-fire goals.

 

Following a corner, Williams was on hand to divert an off-target shot from Jack Lanceley into the back of the net. Substitute Jack Johnson made an instant impact as he found Danny Vickers in acres of space with an exquisite cross-field ball. Vickers took the ball and rounded the keep before slotting home!

 

The comeback was almost complete but Johnson saw one of his in-swinging corners come off the crossbar and the other cleared off the line. But as Whitegate continued to press for an equaliser Port Sunlight were able to catch them on the break.

 

A through ball to the Port Sunlight striker who looked yards offside took the pass before finding the bottom corner to hand the hosts a 4-2 win.

 

A difficult opening 20 minutes from Whitegate saw the hosts take a two goal lead before Whitegate brought themselves back into the game. An excellent second half performance from the visitors sent manager Gary Yeo away happy with how his side played in defeat to a very good side.

​