Irlam 0 Vauxhall Motors 2
Match Report
Saturday 13th August 2022
NWCFL Premier Division
By Ethan Hoijord, Photo by Marc Gibbs
Vauxhall Motors returned victorious from Irlam as two goals from Mick McGraa’s side saw The Motormen keep up their winning streak in the early stages of the league season.
Despite the match being played in such hot conditions, there was a lively start to the game which saw either side have a good few chances.
Just before the water break, Michael Burkey cut inside and beat his defenders to bring him into a great position to get his shot off. The attempt was saved by the hosts’ keeper.
A couple of great chances followed as Burkey slid through Buckley, who manager Mick McGraa praised in his post-match interview, as the striker forced the goalkeeper into a save with his feet.
Irlam received the first booking of the game as they grew frustrated towards the end of the first half.
It was Vauxhall that started the second more strongly as Ben Holmes came close from distance as his effort was fired just past the far post.
Motors’ attacking pressure saw them net first through Jordan Deer, Burkey was once again involved in the play as he made an excellent driving run to find Deer in space. Deer took his time and slotted his effort past the keeper, with a great and composed finish.
Sabu Smith replaced Francois Antoinne just before the second water break, allowing for fresh energy to be brought into the final third.
The visitors should have had a penalty shortly afterwards. However, all claims were turned away by the referee as Burkey went down after beating two defenders. The fouled forward was soon replaced by Bobbie McDonnell.
New signing Buckley once again found himself on the scoresheet, it is now three goals in three league appearances for him. A great composed finish into the corner left the keeper with no chance as Motors pounced on a goalkeeping error.
Sean Moscrop would soon replace the first goalscorer, Deer, and the latter stages were dominated not by attacking play but by substitutions as McGraa aimed to keep his side in shape ahead of Tuesday night’s game against West Didsbury and Chorlton.
However, the three points on the road were deserved as the Motormen kept another clean sheet with a strong display from start to finish. Goals being scored by Jordan Deer and Lewis Buckley.
After the game, Mick McGraa praised his side’s freshness and overall team performance “The lads looked fresh today, I think it was the best we played. The second half performance was top drawer. A few stand-out players: Haydn Cooper, dominated the game. Jordan Deer, goal and assist, and Lewis Buckley is an animal, three goals in three games now. Our game management was excellent”.
Vauxhall Motors team, managed by Mick McGraa: James McClenaghan, Liam Turner, Greg Drummond, Marcus James, Joe Heath, Haydn Cooper, Michael Burkey (73’), Ben Holmes ©️ (83’), Lewis Buckley (84’), Jordan Deer (77’), Francois Antoine (63’).
Subs: Sabu Smith (63’), Aaron Dawson (83’), Simon Thelwell (84’), Bobbie McDonnell (73’), Sean Moscrop (77’).