Alsager Town defeated by league champions Winsford United as difficult season concludes

First half

Little was expected of Alsager today and it did not take long for Winsford to look like the side in control. However, Ashton Brogan was able to stop a long ball forward on the left wing from going out. He drilled a low cross into the box and Tom Johnson was there to give the Bullets an unexpected lead after 19 minutes.

Winsford looked to respond and had a great chance to go ahead, but a close range strike from Oliver Pope was saved by Alsager goalkeeper Joe Lawton.

Not long later, Alsager stole the ball and looked to be through on goal, but the referee blew for a foul. The linesman raised his flag for a half second before lowering it again, which caused some confusion, but the game continued with little protests from the home team.

Lawton was then called into action again, making a brilliant save to deny Matthew Birchall. However, Alsager lost their lead a minute later in an effort which was just too good for Alsager’s goalkeeper to prevent from hitting the back of the net.

Former Bullet Pope scored a screamer, taking a shot from distance, which was struck with power to the right of Lawton. This was the last chance of the first half, meaning there was nothing to separate the sides at the interval.

Half time: Alsager Town 1-1 Winsford United

Winsford were much improved in the second half and began to control the game, however the Blues failed to convert a couple of half chances.

Eventually Reece Davies, another former Alsager man, put the visitors ahead. He was allowed a free header at a corner and directed the ball at Lawton, but the keeper who had been playing so well was unable to make a save. With just over an hour played, Winsford led 2-1 and looked comfortable.

Davies came close again with a half volley 10 minutes later, but Lawton put the ball out for a corner. Alsager continued to come under pressure and were unable to place accurate passes.

However, it was the Bullets who scored the next goal, after 84 minutes, when Johnson got on the end of a clearance. The striker knocked the ball over goalkeeper Jacob Kirwan, levelling the score, despite calls of offside from the Winsford defenders.

Alsager looked to gain momentum after the goal, but their defensive struggles continued to be a problem. After 87 minutes, the travelling team gained an advantage for the second time, as Pope scored with another powerful effort.

The Bullets had some late set pieces, but were unable to capitalise on them. In the end, Winsford had that additional bit of quality and deservedly claimed all three points.

Full time: Alsager Town 2-3 Winsford United

Despite a strong start, Alsager ended their campaign in 11th place, one position higher than last season. It is likely a new manager will be appointed next season, while the playing squad will be much changed.

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