Castleton Gabriel’s Vs Chadderton F.C.

In front of a boisterous home crowd, Castleton played host to local rivals Chadderton F.C and were hoping to get revenge after the early season 2-1 defeat against Chadderton.

Michael Ward was flung upfront to lead the attack and Andrew Pheby called upon to anchor the midfield. Graham Hicks returned to right back.

Castleton looking to impose themselves early on began strong and could of taken an early lead had the mercurial Carl Winstanley converted from close range after muscling his way past the defence, but he narrowly missed the target.

Gabs continued to press, Andrew Pheby in particular dictating the flow of the game with some neat passing and crunching tackles, but for now Castleton were unable to capitalise on a good start.

After 15 minutes the deadlock was broken, completely against the run of play, Chadderton who had been restricted to long-range efforts by the Gabs defence took an unjust lead when Chadderton wing back Davies gambled from 25 yards out and rifled a shot into the top corner past keeper Canning.

A lucky Chadderton goal did little to deter the Gabs spirit as Castleton went all out for an equaliser. After a fine passing movement Gabriel’s got their reward. A long ball in the box was cleared, but only as far as Castleton top scorer Andrew Pheby who on the volley smashed the ball past the stranded Chaddy keeper to bag a deserved equaliser.

Chadderton clearly frustrated began making some rash challenges, and a hard tackle on Carl Winstanley resulted in a mass brawl between players with many Chadderton fans unnecessarily getting involved, Castleton’s Winstanley was grabbed by a Chadderton supporter, either for his autograph or to voice their opinion (the former probably being slightly more valuable). When all calmed down, a Chadderton player was dealt a yellow card which seemed very lenient.

Undeterred by the Brawl, Winstanley would get his revenge. After 30 minutes from a corner kick, the ball fell to Winstanley who made no mistake in firing home from close range and The home side finally took a deserved lead which they held till half time.

Throughout the half Castleton created several excellent chances, Gabs captain Steve McCann put a powerful header over the bar, and Winstanley had also saw a few chances fly wide of the target.

The second half commenced, Michael ward moved onto the left wing, replacing the injured Winstanley.

Castleton looked to defend their lead, and had comfortably held back all of Chadderton’s advances until a calamitous referee decision on 56 minutes led to a Chadderton equaliser. The ball crossed the dead ball line and despite clearly coming off a Chadderton attacker the referee awarded a corner. The ball was played to the far post where it was met by Chadderton Striker Taylor who converted from close range.

Chadderton thinking their luck was in, tried to claim a penalty minutes later when a Chadderton player fell easily under a challenge in the box, but several possible Oscar winning rolls on the floor didn’t convince the officious referee, and the game continued.

Chadderton buoyed by their luck began to press, and could have taken the lead from a free kick had the woodwork not got in the way, but Chadderton had little else to trouble Gabs keeper Canning.

The game was then played in the middle of the park for the duration of the game, Andrew Pheby and Matthew Russell breaking up any Chadderton play. With defenders Watkinson and McCann easily dealing with anything that was swung into the box.

Fans favourite Alan Brannick was hoping to make a late impact on the game, but a late injury whilst warming up prevented a fairytale ending. And the game was settled at 2-2.

A very entertaining game, Castleton may lament missed chances in the first half in a game they could of put to bed early doors. But a free scoring Gab’s will look to their next home game this weekend against Darwen to inflict an overdue win.

If you find yourself at a loose end this Saturday, fancy some fresh air, or just a couple of hours away from the wife (or husband), take the short trip to Butterworth park where you will always be guaranteed an exciting game of football and may even get to see the implausible Alan Brannick at work.