Vauxhall Motors beat Irlam 1-0 at The VanEupen Arena on this year’s non-league day. 

By Ethan Hoijord.

Photo by Paul Bartlett.

The tie came a day after defender Adam Hughes was signed from the City of Liverpool and his experienced legs were used as he was selected in the starting eleven.  

 

The Motormen started the game strongly and a mistake from the visitors following an Ethan Gouldbourne cross opened the scoreline, just shy of the 20th minute mark. 

 

Mick McGraa’s side continued to pin their opponent’s defensive line back, Conor Harwood placed the ball in the net but saw the linesman’s flag raised as he looked to the side. 

 

Midfielder Jake Parker placed his effort just wide before the half time whistle blew. 

 

McGraa made a few changes in the second half, Joe Holt making his debut when he came on for the impressive Parker. 

 

However, there was very little action other than Bobbie McDonnell’s late strike which was cleared off the line with moments left to play. 

 

After the game, manager McGraa explained how he was happy with the result despite ‘the performance not quite being there due to nerves creeping in as we approach the business end of the season’. 

 

The three points leaves Vauxhall Motors placed third as they take on fellow promotion candidates Bury AFC in Ellesmere Port on Tuesday night. 

 

Vauxhall Motors Fc, managed by Mick McGraa: Sam Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne (55’), Adam Hughes, Marcus James, Tom Mitchell, Haydn Cooper, Michael Burkey, Ben Holmes, Lewis Buckley, Jake Parker (79’), Conor Harwood (84’), SUBS: Bobbie McDonnell (84’), James McCulloch, Sean Moscrop, Joe Holt (79’), Ben Dufton-Kelly (55’). 

 

Irlam Fc, managed by John Main: Adam Reid, Andrew Langford, Jacob Holt (90+’), Alex Francis, Alex McNally, Nicholas Taylor, Liam Pollitt (81′), Owen German, Jesse Ebosele (69′), Millon Brown (81′), Babatunde Otulana (26′). SUBS: Evan Cunningham (81′), Ebe Mbachu (26′), Kaiden Barlow (69′), Levi Lewis (90+’), Samuel Twist (81′).