Kidsgrove Athletic 4 Romulus 2
Kidsgrove finally broke their duck and gained their first win of the season with a fairly emphatic victory over Romulus.
Keeping the side that ended the game on Wednesday Peter Ward was repaid early when Joe Woolley- brimming in confidence after his goal on Wednesday- skipped round the visitors’ keeper and finished in style to put the home team ahead. Play developed into an end to end battle but both teams struggled to play with fluency. The old problem of making and missing chances came back and stopped the home team extending their lead. Chances were missed by skipper Malbon and Woolley. The defence was standing firm although the distribution at times caused pressure from Romulus.
HT Kidsgrove Athletic 1 Romulus 0
The half time chat clearly spurred the team forward and pressure was exerted on the visitors’ defence. On 54 minutes Jordan Johnson received the ball in the area after a good passing move down the left. He showed his finishing skill by confidently placing the ball in the corner of the net. This lifted the whole team and we poured forward down both flanks and it took some desperate defending to stop the lead being increased. On 65 minutes a Dan Skelton header released Anthony Malbon, he held off the central defender, and drove the ball home from fifteen yards. The sense of relief could be felt round the ground.
The home team hit back on 78 minutes and following a good move down the left Luke Keen turned inside and with a beautiful drive reduced the deficit. A few moments later Kidsgrove were awarded a free kick inside their own half. Lewis Bergin was alert to the situation and without a moments delay shot at goal and only a frantic save by the Romulus keeper denied him a spectacular goal. As the ninety minutes was closing Bergin released Anthony Malbon down the left. Some close control and a shimmy and a wonderful shot into the far corner sealed the three points. A careless moment if defence saw the referee award Romulus a penalty. Luke Keen scored easily and moments later the whistle blew and everyone went home happy

MoM- Anthony Malbon