Last season’s champions Borrowdale United became the first team to inflict defeat on previously unbeaten Trawden Celtic, and they did it with only 10 men!
United turned up at the Rec one man short, but were determined to avenge Celtic’s 5-3 win in November. Trawden were under strength with Chris Dodds having family commitments and James Brookes going AWOL, but that should take nothing away from Borrowdale’s comprehensive victory.
Playing downhill and with a cold wind behind them, United set about Trawden from the kick-off. Their clever link play and determination left Celtic chasing shadows, and it seemed like it was Trawden who had only 10 men!
Fortunately, Celtic’s defence stood firm and kept Borrowdale’s chances to a minimum for the first 25 minutes while Trawden had to rely on breakaways.
The breakthrough came after 27 minutes. Trawden captain Callum Whitfield gave a foul away on the right hand edge of the box. The thunderous free-kick was parried by ‘keeper Ben Gorman but went straight to a Borrowdale player who lashed the ball in from 15 yards to make the score at half-time Trawden 0, Borrowdale 1.
The second-half began and Celtic, at last, started to get their game together with man-of-the-match Liam Britton pulling the strings in midfield. Despite their possession, Trawden created little in the way of chances, apart from a dipping corner taken by Spencer Jordan which the United ‘keeper did well to keep out.
Two minutes later came the pinnacle point of the match. A good move by Celtic finished with a lay-off to right-back Carl Pain. He unleashed a 25 yard screamer which had “goal” written all over it, but somehow the Borrowdale ‘keeper produced a tremendous save to tip the ball over the bar. He deserved the congratulations he received from his team mates.
As Trawden pushed forward, it came as no surprise when United made it 2-0 with a goal on the break, their striker prodding the ball past the advancing Ben Gorman. Borrowdale’s confidence grew, and after a couple near misses they made it 3-0 with a great finish 10 minutes from the end.
Manager Dave Whitfield brought on Calvin Anslow to shore up the defence while Callum Whitfield went up front. Iain Ross burst through the United defence in the last minute, but he failed to control the ball and the chance had gone. It was the first time this season that Trawden had failed to score in the league.
A thoroughly deserved victory for Borrowdale and they now trail Trawden by only one point.
Man-of-the-Match - Liam Britton
