It was third time lucky for Whitegate this week. With two sides pulling out of the fixture, up stepped Winsford Diamonds Vets to fulfil the game at the last minute.

 

A thoroughly entertaining game followed. A bright start from the visitors saw Whitegate struggle to get out of their own half. The continued pressure eventually saw Winsford create goal-scoring opportunities. The Diamonds striker Liam Goulding had the first opportunity of the game but his effort went just wide of the far post. This time Eithan Boulter-Ashcroft in the Whitegate goal was called into action, a long range effort from outside the area from Robert Buckley looked destined for the top corner but a fine save kept the game goalless.

 

Having been forced to defend deep inside their own half for the opening 20 minutes, Whitegate did create some chances themselves. A brilliant solo run from Sam Ellwood saw the midfielder pick out Jack Johnson in the box, but he couldn’t direct his effort on target.

 

Jack Lanceley latched onto a cross from Ellwood but his volleyed effort was blocked. After getting a foot hold in the game, Whitegate were caught on the counter attack, a well worked break saw Winsford’s winger put a delightful ball into the box. With an attacker behind him waiting to score, Jonathan Bownes couldn’t do anything to prevent the ball from coming off him and into the back of his own net.

 

But the hosts weren’t behind for long. Johnson saw his cross avoid everyone and land at the feet of Mitch Bailey who made no mistake at the back post.

 

The turn around was complete just minutes later, Lanceley’s cross found Ellwood in the area, his first effort forced Jonny Roberts into a great finger tip save, but the ball bounced kindly back of the post and into the path of Ellwood who headed into the empty net, to send the hosts into the break with a 2-1 lead.

 

The second half saw a goal, lots of chances, big tackles and plenty of controversy.

 

It was Winsford who started the second half just liked they began the first and within the opening 10 minutes they were back level. With the first three goals coming from crosses, the fourth was no different. The ball across the box on the left hand side saw the Winsford winger get in front of his man to level the game.

 

Whitegate almost responded instantly through Johnson but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper. With 15 minutes remaining the hosts looked to have retaken the lead, a goal kick found Bailey who showed his pace to leave the defender behind, he fed Kev Beresford in the middle who tapped home, but a controversial offside call stopped the celebrations.

 

With just minutes remaining, a miscommunication in defence proved to be costly. Liam Goulding beat Bownes before firing a low shot into the back of the net to give Winsford Diamonds Vets a 3-2 victory.

 

Another tough battle for Whitegate with defensive mistakes proving to be the difference between the two sides. Whitegate will now make the trip to Port Sunlight next weekend.