Mixed Fortunes For Cumbrian Sides In West Lancashire League Cup Action
Cumbrian football clubs experienced mixed results as several local sides competed in West Lancashire League cup action.
Holker Old Boys suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Bacup Borough in the North West Counties Division One North. The result was particularly disappointing after the Cumbrian side had remained level through a goalless first half. Holker appeared to have gained the advantage when they moved ahead early after the interval, but Bacup responded strongly and turned the match around during the second half.
Nathan Reid provided Holker with one of the afternoon's positives by scoring another excellent goal to continue his strong run in front of goal. His latest effort maintained a productive spell for the South Cumbrian side despite the disappointing result. Holker were unable to protect their lead, however, as Bacup found an equaliser and then moved ahead before adding another goal during the closing stages.
Bacup levelled the match on the hour before taking the lead only six minutes later. Holker were unable to respond to the turnaround and the visitors added a third goal in the 90th minute. The afternoon ended on an additional setback when Holker centre half Luke Mitchell was sent off following a contentious last man foul, leaving the home side to finish the match with ten players.
Holker Old Boys now have little time to reflect on the defeat, with another cup fixture scheduled shortly afterwards. The South Cumbrians are due to return to action at Maine Road in an Edward Case Cup first round tie. The quick turnaround provides an opportunity for the team to respond on the pitch and put the disappointing league result behind them.
Cleator Moor Celtic enjoyed a much more positive afternoon as they travelled to Ulverston Rangers in the Richardson Cup. The hosts, who are among the leading sides in Division One, made an impressive start and established a two goal advantage within the opening 14 minutes. Archie Butler and Luke Armstrong both found the net as Ulverston threatened to take control of the contest.
Celtic gradually settled into the match and began to create a response after their difficult opening spell. Their opportunity came in the 35th minute when they were awarded a penalty, allowing Adam Smith to reduce the deficit from the spot. The goal provided Celtic with renewed momentum and they took advantage again only two minutes later when Zach Benson Lester equalised.
The rapid turnaround changed the direction of the match and gave Celtic considerable encouragement going into the second half. Having recovered from their early two goal deficit, Gareth Agnew's side became the stronger team after the interval. They continued to apply pressure as the match progressed and eventually found the decisive goal with 17 minutes remaining.
Teenage substitute Harrison Rodgers produced the winning moment in the 73rd minute. His goal completed Celtic's comeback and secured their passage into the next stage of the Richardson Cup. After conceding twice early in the match, the visitors showed considerable resilience to recover, take control and eventually leave Ulverston with victory.
Millom faced a considerably more difficult challenge after being drawn away against Blackpool Wren Rovers. The fixture brought back difficult memories for Millom, who had suffered a 9-0 league defeat at the same venue only a few weeks earlier. The Cumbrian club travelled with a depleted squad and again found themselves facing a substantial deficit during the opening half.
Blackpool Wren Rovers led 5-0 at half time, putting Millom in danger of another heavy defeat. Despite the difficult position, the visitors responded positively after the interval and showed considerable determination with their reduced squad. Millom matched their opponents during the second half, with the two teams sharing the final 45 minutes at 1-1.
Jackson Evans, who was available after being released from Rugby League commitments, scored Millom's goal. The second half performance offered some encouragement despite the overall result and gave the club a chance to demonstrate greater resilience after the earlier league meeting between the sides. Millom will now look to build on that response in their forthcoming fixtures.
Whitehaven also progressed, although their Richardson Cup tie against Holker Old Boys reserves required a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Whitehaven appeared comfortable during the opening half and established a 3-1 advantage before the interval. Malaki Norford scored twice, while Joe Carney also found the net to give Whitehaven a strong position.
Holker Old Boys reserves responded after half time and gradually recovered from their two goal deficit. Whitehaven were unable to maintain the same control they had shown during the opening period, allowing the reserves to draw level and force the match into a penalty shootout. The turnaround ensured the tie remained uncertain until the final kicks.
The opening two penalties from each side were missed during the shootout, adding further tension to the contest. Whitehaven then found greater accuracy, scoring each of their next three attempts. Holker managed to convert only two of their remaining efforts, allowing Whitehaven to secure victory and progress to the next stage of the competition.
Both Kendal sides also enjoyed successful afternoons in the Richardson Cup. Kendal County recorded a convincing 4-0 victory over Appleby Bridge, producing two goals in each half. Jacob Carway scored twice, while Jayden Mackay also claimed a brace as Kendal County completed a comfortable win and booked their place in the next round.
Kendal United produced one of the most dramatic results of the afternoon against Charnock Richard reserves. United appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory after establishing a 5-1 half time lead, but the visitors produced a remarkable second half response. Charnock Richard reserves reduced the deficit to 5-4 and put the home side under significant pressure during the closing stages.
Thomas Varey eventually restored some breathing space for Kendal United by scoring his fourth goal of the match. His late contribution helped United withstand the visitors' comeback attempt and secure a 6-4 victory. Piotr Czechura scored the other two goals for Kendal, completing an entertaining contest in which the home side survived a remarkable second half fightback.
Milnthorpe Corinthians were unable to join the other Kendal sides in progressing from their Richardson Cup tie. Henry Brownlee gave them an early lead against Stoneclough when he scored after only four minutes. The visitors responded with an equaliser in the 25th minute, however, and neither side was able to find another goal during the remainder of normal time.
The resulting penalty shootout ended in a 4-3 victory for Stoneclough. Milnthorpe had therefore gone from taking an early advantage to suffering elimination after a closely contested match. The narrow outcome contrasted with the more decisive results achieved by several of the other Cumbrian teams competing in the competition.
Elsewhere, Askam United were beaten 4-2 away at Galgate in the Challenge Cup. Galgate established a 3-0 advantage before Askam produced a response midway through the second half. Declan Kell and Jack Stoker scored to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and briefly gave the visitors hope of completing a comeback.
Galgate eventually restored their two goal advantage by adding a fourth goal and secured their place in the next stage. Askam's response after falling three goals behind provided some encouragement, but they were unable to find the further goal required to take the contest level. The result brought their Challenge Cup involvement to an end.
The cup results provided contrasting outcomes for clubs from across Cumbria. Cleator Moor Celtic, Whitehaven, Kendal County and Kendal United all progressed, while Millom and Milnthorpe Corinthians were eliminated from the Richardson Cup and Askam United suffered defeat in the Challenge Cup. Holker Old Boys also endured a difficult league afternoon against Bacup Borough.
The weekend's matches highlighted the unpredictability of cup football, with several ties decided by late goals or penalty shootouts. Celtic recovered from two goals down to win at Ulverston, Whitehaven survived a second half comeback before succeeding from the spot, and Kendal United held on after allowing a four goal response. The varied results provided plenty of drama for the Cumbrian clubs involved.
For the teams that progressed, attention will now turn towards the next stage of their respective competitions. Cleator Moor Celtic, Whitehaven, Kendal County and Kendal United can take confidence from their victories, while the eliminated sides will return their focus to league and other cup commitments. The performances also provide opportunities for managers to assess their squads as the season continues.
Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.