By Ron Hodkin
Lancashire FA Amateur Shield second round
AFC Monton hosted Clitheroe based Hurst Green FC for this second round Lancashire FA Shield fixture and unfortunately made an early exit as they were caught unawares by their visitors direct, high tempo style.
Monton had the majority share of possession for the opening twenty minutes but failed to effectively test Hurst Green’s keeper and a quick break from defence on the half hour mark saw them take the lead as a well driven cross was met at Monton’s far post to score with a powerful header.
Worst was to come for the Ammies as a perfectly delivered free kick saw the Hurst Green number nine increase their lead with a beautiful glancing header just five minutes later and an almost identical third goal, once again scored by their bustling centre forward just on the stroke of half time left Monton with a mountain to climb to attempt to rescue any kind of result but the re-start saw them regroup and start to play with the passion missing from the first half.
The Ammies finally started to press the game and force Hurst Green to defend more deeply and Monton’s Lee McNally found the back of their net to get them on the score sheet but once more the visitors centre forward scored with another powerful header to maintain their advantage.
Monton’s Mark Bradshaw then scored with a deft header to narrow Hurst Green’s lead but they had the experience and work ethic to see the remainder of the game out and deservedly progress into the next round.
