Boss Smith remains proud despite defeat

GETTING STUCK IN . . . Crown's Andy Walker (left) and Springhead Libs' Daniel Gordon

Springhead Libs 2, Crown FC 5

CROWN FC maintained fourth place in the Jack Abbott Premier Division of the Oldham Sunday League with victory over Springhead Libs at Clayton playing fields.

For Crown and their manager Paul Marshall, this season is one of finishing as high up the table as possible.

As for Libs, despite such a spirited showing in defeat, this is a campaign of staying in the top flight.

Crown established a four-goal lead in the opening 45 minutes, but Libs showed their mettle with two goals to half the deficit, before a late effort from Jordan Knapman-Fields finally decided their fate.

LEAD

Marshall said: "We were well on top from the start, but it took us until about midway through the first half before we took the lead.

"We were 4-0 up at half-time and I made a lot of changes at the start of the second half just to give other players a run-out and keep them all happy.

"If we finish third this season then I will be quite happy.

"We are still in the Challenge Cup and the President's Trophy (draws for the Divisional Shields have yet to be made) and there is a lot to play for."

Libs manager Jimmy Smith said: "I think it flattered them to be four up at half-time to be fair. I said to the lads after we had got two goals back that I was proud of them.

"If it had been two or three at half-time it might have been a totally different story."

Early exchanges saw Crown in control, but a Libs back line stayed tight under increasing pressure from their opponents.

That is until Carl Beamish rifled the ball home from 16 yards out and suddenly, the floodgates opened.

Crown deserved this win, but their is hope for Libs after their second-half performance.

SPRINGHEAD LIBS: Chadwick, Cotter, Tuohy, Milburn, Garside, Hayes, Smith, Ure, Cullen, Maher, Gordon. Sub: Johnson.

CROWN FC: Gardner, Slicker, Boucher, Hubbert, Duffy, Hayes, Chadderton, Brown, Beamish, Barker, Walker. Subs: Knapman-Fields, Grant, Wolfe, Clegg, Shaw.

REFEREE: J Albison.

GOALS: Crown FC - Beamish (22, 40), Chadderton (31, 44) Knapman-Fields (77). Springhead Libs - Tuohy (62), Gordon (70).

STAR MAN: Andrew Walker (Crown FC) - Sterling display in key areas of the pitch.