YET again the West Lancs League fixture schedule for next Saturday has to be rewritten as the heavy rain washes out LFA Amateur Challenge Shield ties.
Last weekend Eagley's Round One home clash with Colne United, Tempest Utd away at Wigan League Standish St Wilfs and Atherton Town at home to LAL Premier Division Highfield United were weather victims and the clubs will try again this coming Saturday.
One tie that did go ahead, albeit in dreadful conditions, was the eagerly awaited big local derby clash between Blackrod Town and Breightmet United. The result went the way of the West Lancs League Premier Division outfit by a 2-0 margin over the Manchester League Division One table toppers but the football produced by the players of both camps was a real treat despite the heavy surface.
"I was proud of my lads," said Breightmet boss Phil Breakell.
"I just couldn't fault anyone. We played well but Blackrod edged it." United's cause wasn't helped when striker Rick Livesey felt a muscle pull warming up and had to pull out of the starting line up.
Blackrod's first goal on 25 minutes was a second disaster of the day for United as full back Phil Hinks passed back to his brother in goal John and was horrified to see the ball roll into his own net.
A third calamity struck Breakell's side when Paul settle was injured in an accidental clash and was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg. The half-fit Livesey had to come on as sub as his replacement.
Blackrod were beginning to control the game, although Breightmet did have a couple of chances to level.
The killer second goal came on the 80 minutes mark when Darren Shalliker rounded United man of the match Hinks to smack a beauty into the top corner.
Town manager Arthur Flatters said after the win," Breightmet are a good young side with loads of potential.
It was a good game as both sides played some great stuff under difficult circumstances."
Town's man of the match vote went to midfielder Darryl Martinus who was the hub of most of the good things to come from the winners.
BLACKROD'S Reserves won 3-0 away at Fulwood Amateurs to stay top of the Division One Reserves on goal difference from Leyland Motors.
Eagley Reserves won 6-2 at Burnley United whilst goals from Freeman (2), Horrocks, Yearn and Platt saw Tempest United to a 5-2 home derby win over Turton Reserves.
WEST Lancs Leading Goalscorer
Richard Collier Tempest United 10
Justin Hughes Turton 7
David Such Blackrod Town 6
Sean Whorlow Tempest United 5
Matt Holliday Turton 5
Mark Westworth Blackrod Town 4
Lee Whitehead Eagley 3
BEN Star Turn:
Darryl Martinus - Blackrod Town
A star midfield show in Town's Shield triumph.
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