It's good, bad and ugly for Stand

THEY were showing a repeat of the film "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" on the television last Saturday night.

Stand decided to put on their own version in the afternoon as they slumped to their fifth defeat of the season at Salteye Park, at the hands of a well-organised and drilled Mitchell Shackleton side.

There can be no more slip-ups for Stand and they are fortunate that both Wythenshawe and Sacred Heart failed to capitalise on Stand's error. The damage, even though only light, was done and they must start to pick up the pieces yet again.

This was the League's match of the day and despite the windswept conditions of the Eccles' side home grounds, the spectators who braved the chilly afternoon, witnessed a pulsating game of football. Micky Bartholomew missed from inside the six-yard box in Stand's usual opening minute chance, as per usual not taken. The Mitchell side, now realising an early lifeline was thrown their way, dominated the first half by way of determination and a willingness to work hard. Stand were by their standards, lack-lustre, and when their defenders backed off Steve Butters on the edge of the box, he curled a delightful shot over Pete Gibbons in the Stand goal. This stirred the visitors and Mark Denham pulled a goal back after dusting himself down from being hacked down in the penalty box, to convert with ease, from the spot. This, hopefully, was the signal to take the game by its throat, but the Mitchell team did that for them once again and failure to close down quickly allowed time and space for John Robinson to pick his spot in the box and give his side a deserved lead at half-time.

With the wind now at their backs, Stand upped the tempo and started to put pressure on the home defence. Mitchell Shackleton, to their credit, held out and relied on quick breaks, which caused trouble at times for Stand's defence. However, chances would always be created on the break as Stand dominated the Mitchell half, and Steve Corfield in the home goal found it a frustrating afternoon. This was further hampered when Robinson broke clear to put the game beyond Stand's reach, or so it seemed -- Steve Davis pulled one back with five minutes remaining, and then Corfield produced a stunning save to deny Mark Wilson an equaliser at the final whistle.

This earned Stand a draw, which they would have settled for and which would have been a fair result, but Mitchell's spirit deservedly won the day over a Stand side which must now have a hard think about their application if they are to put their abilities into winning matches.

Team: Gibbons, Davis, Gallagher, Channon, Telfer, Dawes, Stott (Brown), Leonard, M. Denham, (C. Denham), Wilson, Bartholomew, (Westhead).

Ewood Bridge was visited by the North West Counties League last Wednesday and outlined the work needed to be completed by March 31 if promotion is to be gained. There are two places up for offer this season and along with Stand, Fulwood Amateurs (West Lancs League) and Norton (Midlands) have also applied. As well as having the ground up to standard, teams must finish in the top two of their league so results at this stage are just as vital.

For Stand, work on the lights, spectator facilities, and some general tidying up is needed so any help in those directions would be much appreciated.

This Saturday, Stand will be looking to put matters right on the pitch as they play Willows at Ewood Bridge, kick-off 2.30pm. For details ring 07950 102307.