Helsby v Marshalls reserves

3.15pm  30 October 2021

West Cheshire League, Division Two
Helsby 5 Marshalls reserves 1 (att 40)

For a time I wondered if this match would take place. Three o'clock came and went and with no sign of the referee there were discussions between the teams as to what to do.

I don't know details of those discussions, or why the appointed official failed to appear, but thankfully common sense prevailed and the game got underway about 15 minutes late.

I was told a representative from each side would referee a half, but in the end the entire match was refereed by someone who I think was from Marshalls. He did a good job, and credit to both teams for a sensible compromise to get the fixture played.

Helsby, unbeaten in the league, were the better side, but wayward finishing kept the outcome in the balance until late in the game. They'd scored the only first half goal, but allowed Marshalls back into it with a soft second half equaliser.

It looked like being a frustrating afternoon for the hosts, until their pressure finally told with a second goal. With Marshalls' resistance broken the floodgates opened, and Helsby added further strikes for a final score that was a little flattering.

Helsby's new ground only opened last season. It's a 3G pitch, but more interesting than most as it's dominated by a two-storey building. The first floor includes a balcony, which looked to be the preserve of a private function, and that provides some cover for those at pitch level.

There is a spectator area running the length of the far side, although having followed the signposted path to the entrance I found the gate to it was padlocked shut. There's space to walk round behind the goals though.