No complaints as King George suffer cup woe

Photo: Paul Sterritt

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Limeside’s Leon Melia leads a chase for the ball against Middleton.

Limeside King George 1, Middleston Colts 6

LIMESIDE King George exited the North-West Champion of Champions’ Cup at the last-eight stage at the hands of Middleton Colts at Chapel Road.

The scoreline was as emphatic as it suggests and Warren Berry, player-manager of George, said: “We can have no complaints on the day, but this has been the story of our season.

“For whatever reason we have struggled to get out a regular side this season, but we will be looking to regroup in time for next term.”

George’s injury woes were highlighted by the appearance in their line-up of Will Buckley.

“I played the full 90 minutes when maybe I shouldn’t have,” said Buckley. “My main concern is to get back to full fitness.”

Berry, normally a striker, had to play in defence but went on to enjoy a stand-out game.

George started brightly on an equally bright spring afternoon and took the lead after 21 minutes when Thomas Greally’s superbly-executed chip-shot from the angle of the penalty area found the back of the net.

The visiting Colts, of the Rochdale Sunday League, levelled five minutes later and a further goal gave them the advantage at the break.

But George let slip the lifeline that came in the shape of a 66th-minute penalty, with Joe Heap’s spot-kick saved by the Colts’ goalkeeper.

From then on, Colts took control and scored a further four goals – with a touch of irony, two of them from the penalty spot.