Alsager Town struggle to withstand the heat in Winsford United defeat

Alsager Town 0-3 Winsford United

Alsager Town welcomed Winsford United to Wood Park for their fourth pre-season friendly this month. The Bullets were held to a 2-2 draw by Congleton Town last Saturday, but claimed a 1-0 victory over Bollington Town on Tuesday.

First half

The temperature was high in Alsager, but this did not stop the visitors from getting off to a quick start. Winsford piled the pressure on right from the very start and managed to test Alsager’s goalkeeper.

It did not take long for them to take the lead, as the Bullets failed to clear a long throw-in, which fell to Connor Hooks who made it 1-0.

By the time the first water break came around, Alsager had attempted to get forward, but getting any shots on goal was proving difficult. Not long afterwards, Winsford doubled their lead through Matty Birchall. He received a long ball and was able to beat the goalkeeper, who abandoned his net, but failed to commit to gathering the ball.

*Winsford United already had a commanding lead by half time*

The goalkeeper’s distribution was also an issue, with some goal kicks going straight out of play. However, he did manage to make some saves, as Winsford looked to keep on scoring.

They came close again when one of their players dribbled through the middle of the pitch, beating multiple defenders, and managed to get a shot away. In the end, he failed to generate any power on his effort and it was an easy save for the goalkeeper.

Half time: Alsager Town 0-2 Winsford United

Second half

Alsager looked to right the wrongs of the opening half and showed early signs of promise. However, their momentum stopped when a Winsford defender went down with a nasty looking head injury. He had two large cuts on his head, so it was essential that the game was stopped so he could be seen to by the club’s medical staff.

It was the Bullets who then managed to craft some chances. One came from a free kick which Winsford conceded on the edge of their penalty box. Goalkeeper Jacob Kirwan was forced to make a save.

He had to come to his sides’ rescue once more, when Alsager’s number 16 got a decent shot on goal. However, Winsford scored again, when former Bullet Tom Pope struck the ball into the bottom right corner. It was a great effort from the left side of the pitch.

*Winsford were more clinical with their chances than Alsager*

Kirwan would then be called once more, as Alsager’s number 12 shot from close range, but the shot-stopper once again showed up when it mattered.

Near the end of the match, Winsford felt they should have been awarded a penalty when their player was taken down in the box. It did look like a potential foul, but the referee decided the tackle was good. This would have no impact on the result, as the NWCFL First Division South champions cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the sun.

Full time: Alsager Town 0-3 Winsford United

What next for Alsager Town?

Alsager will be disappointed with today’s performance, but they must pick themselves up and go again on Tuesday, where they will host Hanley Town. Kick off is at 19:45, in what will be their last home pre-season friendly before the new season begins.

The Bullets will then face Middlewich at Seddon Street next Saturday, before beginning their league campaign away to New Mills on Saturday, July 26.