On a typical Cumbrian Autumnal afternoon Keswick were eager to increase their lead at the top of North West Division 2 by sending Manchester 1s back home with a defeat.
Straight from the start Keswick once again dominated possession but were unable to break through a strong Manchester back line. Keswick were comfortable in the first 10 minutes, but the defensive pairing of Jamie O’Shea and man of the match Chris Mattear had to be on hand to cut out several early Manchester counter attacks.
Keswick’s first goal came 10 minutes in when left back Robert Owen collected the ball wide outside the opposition’s D, and found Paul Sloan at the back post, who finished neatly passed the Manchester goalkeeper to get his first goal of the season and give Keswick a one goal lead.
Manchester then equalised 5 minutes later through a well worked short corner, giving Keswick goalkeeper Gary Tupper no chance.
Keswick were keen to get a goal back straight away, which dually came through striker Luke Heap, who neatly deflected a Clive Swanston cross into the back of the net to get his tenth goal of the season.
Keswick’s third goal of the game came towards the end of the second half after a great move down the left hand side of the pitch. Robert Owen offloaded the ball to Swanston on the left wing, who found Charlie Jackson inside the D, the ball was then neatly offloaded back to the instigator Owen, who finished superbly from a tight angle to give the left back his third goal in two games!
Keswick were very dominant throughout, and the midfield double act of Shaun Wilson and Mark Bowen controlled the game well, controlling the pace of the game throughout.
Going in at half time 3-1 up Keswick were looking comfortable, playing some good spells of hockey and creating some good chances.
After a second half of torrential wind and rain Keswick scored their fourth when Mark Proctor found Swanston inside the D, who made it look easy to finish past the helpless Manchester keeper.
With other results going their way, Keswick now find themselves 2 points clear at the top of North West Division 2.
Keswick Men’s 1s will hope to keep their lead at the top of the table on Saturday when they take the long trip away to Bangor University.