KESWICK WEST CUMBRIA 8 – 0 URMSTON
Cook
Barnes x 2
Morgan x 2
Swanston
Pyke x 2
This week, Wests hosted Urmston who over recent years have proved to be somewhat of a stumbling block for the Cumbrians, however having collected maximum points from the first 2 games of the season, the hosts set their sights on a hat-trick of victories.
Wests remained largely unchanged with the exceptions of Seth Fletcher and James Fennell returning while Paul Randall was again out due to injury.
Wests began the game brightly as they have in each of their opening games so far this season and immediately began causing problems. Proctor, Cook and Pyke all revelled in early possession and space and the trio set out to be the catalyst of the afternoon.
Wests opened the scoring early on after a surging J run round the back from Tom Morgan, cutting the ball back to Rob Cook to add another onto his campaign tally with a simple but important finish.
Morgan was then involved in the second 10 minutes later offloading to Mark Proctor who played a delightful chip pass into the D and allowed Pyke to apply a deft touch passed the keep, whos afternoon was far from over.
Urmston created a couple of half chances but rarely penetrated the final third, keeper Hawkins getting his first touch of the ball after 25minutes, it was his last real involvement in the match as he was reduced to spectator for the remainder due to a fine defensive display from Mattear and Fennell with Dessert relieving any pressure down the right flank with numerous advancing runs.
Man of the match Morgan then turned from provider to scorer running onto a nice one touch throughball from Pyke after fine work from Wilson before taking the ball round the keeper and slotting home before the half drew to a close.
Focus remained in the second half and although Urmston came out with a more aggressive style of play, Wests matched and bettered their opponents. Swanston added a fourth after an interception and 1-2 with Barnes.
Barnes himself then finished in text-book fashion from a short corner with a beautiful but deadly touch, Morgan again with the assist.
Another short corner allowed Morgan the space for a free shot on goal and although it was saved, Barnes was the quickest to react and thrash the ball home for his second.
Barnes looks set to have yet another successful season but was denied his hat-trick..by himself, somehow shooting wide from a yard out?! This however was put out of mind and minutes later Barnes showed terrific pace and determination to chase down what looked like a lost cause, turn and cross for Morgan to tap in.
The rout was completed in the last 5 minutes with Pyke grabbing his brace and 3rd in 2 games, lashing home a fierce shot under the keeper and could have been worse for Urmston; Barnes unlucky to fire into the keeper’s pads on the stroke of full time.