First of all after the news break on Monday that Anthony Griffith has left the Bears, to head into a new venture as a referee, I’d just like to say you are going to be missed hugely by all of the Bear army. Once a bear always a bear ??
This could be classed as the Oatcake Derby.
The Bears come into this game in great form after an away victory last Saturday against Wythenshawe. They will be hoping to continue that this afternoon.
Entering the Bear Pit this afternoon is Hanley Town. They have struggled a lot this season and find themselves second bottom of the league. Tom Pope departed them earlier this season, but they picked up a win last weekend which could kickstart there season.
Team news:
Max McCarthy and Dan Needham both start for the bears this afternoon. Owen Morris returns to the bench after a few games out. Manager Richard Duffy on the bench himself today.
Hanley Town:
New signing for Hanley Remi Matthews is on the bench for the visitors.
First half:
Hanley win the toss and decide to switch ends at a windy Cleric stadium this afternoon.
A good break away by the bears Max McCarthy finds Needham who bursts forward but couldn’t quite get the shot away on goal.
Early stages into the game congleton are the better of the teams. Creating more of the chances with Pete Williams forcing the keeper into making a save.
Handball claim by the bears faithful just outside the box but the referee waves away the protests.
Ethan hartshorn with a good chance it takes a nip off the defender and goes out for a corner. Great ball in bit the referee blows for a foul for Hanley.
Ethan Hartshorn controlling the game nicely for the bears been the controlling mastero
First Chance for Hanley but the wind gets it and it goes high and wide.
Stoppage in play as Marco Fregappane gets some treatment by the dugout.
Matty Gilliam with the chance for the bears the first one for a while but the keeper makes the save.
Half time:
Congleton Town 0-0 Hanley Town
The Bears were in full control in that first half with lots of the ball. And majority of the chances. They will be hoping to get an early goal in the second half.
Second half:
Pete Williams with an early chance for the bears tried to flick it over the keeper but the keeper is able to keep hold of it.
Dan needham takes a free kick for the bears. It’s put into the box. Max McCarthy tries to flick it into the goal by the near post but it just goes wide.
Sub for the bears Max McCarthy off on comes Lewis Porter.
Another chance for the bears sees Matt Gilliam tip it over the bar the chances are coming for the bears searching for the goal they desperately need.
Danny needham with a shot on goal but the keeper gets done to save it.
A stoppage in play as the Hanley keeper needs some treatment.
The second half has been a little bit scrappy by both teams.
Peter Williams wins a freekick for the bears but we can’t make anything from it.
Another penalty claim for the bears! Lewis Porter is manhandled but the referee waves away the protests!
Lewis Porter with a huge chance for the bears but it’s just wide of the goal. That was then
PENALTY for the bears! Gilliam gets taken down and the referee points to the spot.
GOOOOAAAAAAAAL ?⚽️
Peter Williams converts the penalty nicely in the bottom left corner.
Hanley had a few chances of their own in the closing stages of the game with a few good corners. But the defence did well.
Full time:
Congleton Town 1-0 Hanley Town
The Bears will take the 3 points from this game and move on fast. It was a frustrating and sloppy second half. And probably shows that we are a few players short in terms of a squad. But the most important thing is that we got the vital 3 points and it’s a good win again for the bears, who are in great form at the minute. And we remain in fourth place.
Hanley looked decent at times I do think they will have enough to survive this season.
Next up for the bears is another home game on Saturday against Wythenshawe Town.
Man of the match:
Ethan Hartshorn (And not because his dad told me too) ? he controlled the game well in the first half and was our best player. The second half the team struggled.
Attendance: 642
Once again Thank you for Reading ⚽️??
COME ON YOU BEARS⚽️?
Liam Donnelly
Congleton radio
Cleric stadium