Lairds extend winning run with win over Garforth (From Wirral Globe)

Lairds extend winning run with win over Garforth

4:16pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Sport By Gary Langley

CAMMELL Laird extended their winning run to three games with a 2-0 defeat of a hard working Garforth side thanks to a first goal from Sean Richards and a keepers own goal in the second half.

The first half was a dull and lacklustre affair with few highlights for the supporters, with the initial chance coming in the 18th minute for the visitors when a good through ball from Sherry found Burgess but his effort was blocked by the excellent Kyle Jones.

Laird’s first chance came on 18 minutes when a cross from the left by O'Brien found Jamie Henders in space but he took too long to get his shot off and Garforth defender Normanschild blocked the shot on goal.

On 27 minutes, good work down the middle by Joe Gibiluru found Aaron Bowen but his first touch let him down and Zolna in the Town goal rushed out to smoother his shot.

The goal came a little out of the blue after a decent build up down the Liards left the cross shot found Richards unmarked to touch home. There was very little action after that before half time was called with the scores at 1-0 to the Rock Ferry side.

The second-half for the spectators was not much better in terms of entertainment, a head-to-head challenge on 55 minutes saw Couch replaced by Stephens and it was the sub who played in big part in the second goal on 64 minutes.

A long clearance from the back saw Henders fight off two defenders and win a corner. O'Brien's corner led to Garforth keeper Zolna punch into his own net while under strong pressure from Stephens.

At 2-0 the game was effectively over as neither team where able to create a clear chance, although a good run and shot by Garforth’s Moke almost found a consolation goal for the visitors.

One to forget in terms of entertainment, but another win keeps Laird good start to the season going and up to fifth in the Evo-Stik League Division One table plus an opportunity to go forward with confidence for the upcoming FA Cup tie vs FC United.

Cammell Laird FC: Molloy, Ferrigan, Dysart, O'Brien, Jones, Gibiluru, Couch, Richards, Bowen, Henders, Riley. Subs; McNally, Haughton, Stephens, Feeney, Benn.