Castleton Gabriels Vs Darwen

After the midweek draw to Chadderton, Gabs hosted Blackburn outfit Darwen F.C.

Those who braved the brisk weather would be treated to a fiery encounter that would see seven goals and a well-earned red card.

That match began is typical Gabs fashion. Striker Michael Ward trying his luck from 25 yards, but to no avail.

The deadlock was soon broken on 25 minutes. A positive Castleton start suffered a set back when a defensive mix-up presented Darwen midfielder Hulme with the ball, and from a very acute angle on the right, tried his luck and surprisingly it sailed past keeper Canning, and into the back of the net.

But we did not have to wait too long for a Castleton equaliser when on 44 minutes the Gabriel’s were awarded a free kick. Right back Graham Hicks unleashing a powerful shot from the right that rattled the inside of the crossbar, and somehow bounced free to Gabs poacher Andrew Pheby who had no trouble heading into an open goal and claiming his 9th of the season.

On the stroke of half time Castleton could of taken the lead. A defensive error saw the ball fall to Christian Evans who rounded two defenders and with the goal at his mercy, shot wide, and understandably fell to his knees in despair.

The second half commenced, and almost as soon as people had returned to their seats, Darwen had taken the lead. A free kick played into the box, was met by the head of Ryan Mashitter who nodded home from 10 yards out. A fatal mistake by the Gabs whose woefully attempted offside trap, was clinically punished.

Gabs pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded on 72 minutes when ex Man City youth midfielder Todd Hayes poked home from close range after some excellent build up play.

Central defender Watkinson was lucky to stay on the pitch mid-way through the second half after a late challenge on a Darwen forward who looked as though he was the last man, but the referee deemed otherwise, and gave Watkinson a yellow card.

During the second half manager Canning brought on Nathan Eastmond for Michael Ward and the move sparked Gabs into life.

Eastmond’s added pace on the left provided Castleton with an extra attacking outlet and he left the Darwen defence far too easily inside the box before striking his close range shot into the hands of the Darwen keeper.

Gabriel’s Winger Russell also tried his luck from close range after marauding through the defence, but was unable to break the Darwen stopper.

On 77 minutes Darwen scored another to take the lead. Some clever play down the right wing, the ball was played into the box and on the volley, striker Anderton converted from close range, and gave Darwen the lead once more.

With the Gabs faithful thinking things could not get any worse, Captain Steve McCann was then sent off for a stern shove on a Darwen attacker. After looking like he had just attempted a unique backwards long jump, a broken Darwen player voiced his anger at the referee who had no hesitation in showing McCann the red card.

10 men Gabs held out for the remainder of the game, but unfortunately could do little to prevent Darwen scoring twice more with goals from Stephenson and Crompton in the dying minutes of the game. And condemn Gabs to an unfortunate 2-5 loss.
Gabs face a mid-week test at 1st division outfit Runcorn. And will hoping to provide a much sterner test for a side who will be looking to take out their frustration on who ever stands in their way.