Aiming high
Reporter: JOHN GILDER
Date published: 11 December 2009
Photo: Chris Bull
TAKE THAT: Martyn Gurr (right), of Highfield United, unleashes a shot at the Charlestown CYC goal.
Highfield United 1, Charlestown CYC 2
United eye top-flight scene after Sunday Cup setback
AMATEUR FOOTBALL: HIGHFIELD United assistant manager George Douse saluted his side after defeat in the last 16 of the Manchester County FA Sunday Cup at the hands of holders Charlestown CYC.
Having followed the exploits of D&J Builders (North West) Ltd Oldham Sunday League David Giblin division one promotion hopefuls in the previous ‘Match of the Day’, which resulted in an emphatic victory over Limeside Athletic ‘A’, the visit of the Eccles Sunday League top-flight outfit was always going to be a different proposition.
Douse said: “We were proud of the lads against a very good side in Charlestown. We gave a very good account of ourselves.
“We learned lessons in defeat, lessons about movement off the ball and not giving the ball away cheaply.
“Charlestown are a very experienced side and I thought we matched them in a lot of areas.
“This was a measure of where we want to be and promotion to the premier division of the Oldham Sunday League is now our priority.
“There, we can play games like this week in, week out.”
Highfield were punished as early as the 10 minute when careless passing gifted the visitors possession which resulted in a lightning break, followed by what was a simple tap-in.
Despite the efforts of Reece Hursthouse in midfield, Charlestown effectively killed the tie when they doubled their lead a minute after half-time.
Ironically, the second goal stemmed from a Highfield corner-kick. Easily cleared, it led to another speedy breakaway which was finished with clinical efficiency.
Highfield did have the honour of scoring the best goal of the game, thanks to Martyn Gurr’s effort on the hour mark. After a neat one-two with Jamie Moss, he found the net with unerring accuracy from 16 yards.
It was too little, too late for Highfield, but they can hold their heads high and, as Douse suggested, concentrate on their ambition of playing in the Oldham Sunday League’s top flight next season.
HIGHFIELD UNITED: Bennett, Dove, Pauley, C Palmer, Gurr, Moran, Kurpass, Hardman, Buckley, Moss, Hursthouse. Subs: Dodd, Corbett, Oldham, Pheby, S Palmer.
