Handforth 3 Mary Dendy 3
14’ Stephen Dootsen 10’ Nick Brunker
22’, 39’ Sean O’Mara 2 45’ Martin Brunker
59’ Matty Morris
H-T 3-2
M.O.M Sean O’Mara ( Handforth)
Ref: Nick Jennison
An entertaining game at Jim Evison Fields saw Handforth and Mary Dendy take a point a piece but it was the visitors who appeared much the happier at the final whistle. Handforth played some lovely passing football but fell behind on ten minutes to a well rehearsed Dendy set piece as Martin Brunker swung in a corner and brother Nick, up from centre half rose unchallenged to head home. Simon Lee dives in to tackle Sean O'Mara Handforth were level though four minutes later though , Stephen Dootsen finishing off a swift counter attack by side footing the ball home from 12 yards after a pinpoint cross from Sean O’Mara . Handforth began to dominate with man of the match O’Mara seemingly involved in everything. He scored Handforth’s second from the edge of the penalty area midway through the half and it was his corner that somehow crept in at the near post to make it 3-1 six minutes before half time. A fourth goal would have perhaps sealed the victory and ended Dendy’s resistance but Handforth inexplicably let them off the hook as they conceded right on half time . Martin Brunker’s floated free kick from the edge of the box took a deflection that left goalkeeper Dan Child rooted to the spot as the ball crossed the line .
Handforth continued to press in the second half with Dan Cook , Sean O’Mara and Stuart Maylet looking dangerous but Dendy held firm thanks to some tenacious tackling back from midfielder Simon Lee and some resolute defending from Nick Brunker and James Monaghan . Their tactic of breaking up possession and playing on the break eventually paid off – Matt Morris firing home the equaliser on 58 minutes.
