Report from George Clandon



Stoneclough 1 Burscough Richmond 2

Richmond made progress to the quarter final of the Lancashire Amateur Shield with a fine display of controlled football, manager Mike Clandon starting the same eleven that undid table toppers Poulton in last Saturday's league fixture.

The venue - Kearsley near Salford - found the Burscough side in good spirits on a pleasant but slightly chilly Saturday afternoon; the visitors started the game and found the going very difficult in the first 15 to 20 minutes, the tight pitch and a difficult surface needed all their concentration, coupled with a continuous ‘long ball’ game that hosts thought would catch the Burscough side off guard, early in the game.

It wasn't to be for the Stoneclough side, but the home team went close in this period, the ball striking the Richmond post and looking like it had crossed the line, fortunately goalkeeper Shacklady collected before the opposition could take advantage, the referee not in a good position to give a verdict...

Scott Taylor especially and his fellow defenders were immense for Richmond, who had learned their lesson from a previous encounter a few weeks earlier, with a disappointing display and 4.1. league defeat, and once Richmond got into their stride, Nathan Martland took charge of the game; the striker was instrumental in creating chances for himself and other team mates in the first half, notably for Golding and Lorde and gaining man of the match for his overall contribution.

It was Martland who set up Jordan Lorde up for his brilliantly struck goal around the 30 minute mark - the striker found the top corner of the net from 25 yards out, a goal that would have graced any game at a higher level, according to manager Clandon.

Richmond went into half time knowing that the game could have gone against them in the early part of the match, but obviously pleased to be going into the interval one goal to the good.

Jordan Lorde’s second goal was well worked between the enterprising midfield and the forwards, the tigerish work of vice captain Chris Jones showing his younger counterparts how it must be done getting forward when need be, then back protecting his back four.

A quick break lead to the second goal, the unmarked Jack Golding in space on the right found himself with a great opportunity to score, albeit from an acute angle.

The strikers shot brought an excellent save from the Stoneclough keeper, the ball rebounding off his body to find Lorde ready to pounce; Richmond’s top scorer didn't waste his opportunity, and on the hour mark, rammed the ball into the back of the Stoneclough net.

The hosts scored a consolation headed goal with five minutes left, but it couldn't distract away from the fact that the home side had been well beaten on the day.

The yellows held off any late threat from the home side to enter the quarter final round of the FA Lancashire shield.

Well played - and good luck with the next round draw.