Daisy Hill Vs Castleton Gabriels

After a disappointing result at Bootle the previous week, Castleton needed a return to winning ways, and in an emphatic style they did just that, disposing of league strugglers Daisy Hill 6-0, with Andrew Pheby leading the scoring with four goals.

Michael ward came in on the right wing, and captain Steve McCann returned at centre back alongside Dean Watkinson.

The rout began after 10 minutes. Striker Andrew Pheby won the ball from ex Gabs player Mark Armstrong on the by-line, weaved through the defence and calmly slotted home for his and Gabs first. 0-1.

Gabs controlled the game for the next 30 minutes but were unable to break the Daisy Hill defence who were on the back foot from the start. Eventually after 44 minutes Castleton broke the defence again. Pheby held up the ball and released Simon Riley who had no trouble scoring Gabs second of the day. 0-2. The half time whistle was blown.

Gabs hungry for more goals continued where they had left off. Constant pressure resulted in several corners for the Gabs before Pheby rifled a ferocious shot at goal, the big Daisy Hill stopper could only parry the ball back to the lively forward, and could do nothing to prevent Pheby slotting home the rebound, and to claim his second of the game.0-3.

Pheby was hungry for his hat-trick, and after 57 minutes he was rewarded for his fine performance. Matt Jackson played a tidy through ball to Pheby who ran through 2 defenders, to then sneakily lob the stranded Bootle keeper and claim his much-deserved hat-trick. 0-4

Gabs sat back for the next ten minutes and Daisy Hill went on the attack. But Keeper Mark Canning was on hand to prevent any ball slipping through the net. The McCann/Watkinson partnership had yet to concede a goal in several hours of playing together, and today looked no different.

After 79 minutes, Gabs on the counter attack, Pheby picked up the ball around the half way mark, skipped through the Daisy Hill defence, and smashed home to claim his 4th of the game. 0-5.

The Daisy Hill defence was in dis-array, and further cemented this when Christian Evans was brought down in the box. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Andrew Pheby lookin for his fifth took the responsibility…but after a woeful attempt from the spot was unable to add to his tally! It remained 0-5.

After 87 minutes Gabs claimed their 6th of the afternoon. Skilful winger Nathan Eastmond converting a fine solo effort and condemning the home side to an embarrassing 0-6 defeat in front of a buoyant 40 strong crowd. Eastmond was denied another goal late on when he met Watkinson’s through ball and smashed home from 25 yards only to be denied by the linesman’s flag for offside.

Gabs didn’t put a foot wrong all afternoon, excellent individual efforts by Michael ward who collected 3 assists, Nathan Eastmond scoring a long overdue goal, and versatile all-rounder Andrew Pheby bagging 4 goals in an very impressive Gabs victory.

Castleton will be hoping their good form continues into the next game against Cheadle town this Saturday.