Standish St Wilfrid’s Edge Past Bickerstaffe To Keep Title Hopes Alive

Thrilling Clash Sees Standish Prevail 2-1 in Nail-Biting Premier Division Showdown

Bickerstaffe 1 – 2 Standish St Wilfrids

The top two in the Premier Division met last night as both teams were still in with a great chance of winning the Premier Division. This was Bickerstaffe’s last game of the season and only a win woudd keep their faint hopes alive.

In a cagey first half Standish took the lead when a cross from the left wing was turn in from the six yard box by James Harrison. Bickerstaffe hit back when a high ball into the penalty area was bundled over the line by the Bickerstaffe centre half. Half time score was 1-1. The only downside in the first half was a serious looking injury to Standish player Johan Du Toit who fell awkwardly onto his shoulder following a challenge. He was taken to hospital with what looked like a dislocated shoulder and we wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

The second half started with Bickerstaffe looking to take the lead but Standish held firm with some sterling defensive work. With 15 minutes to go Standish took the lead when a long ball was played to Samir Sobeih who controlled the ball beautifully before finding his way past 4 defenders and squeezing the ball past the goalkeeper, who managed to get a hand to it, but it had enough power to get over the line. Samir had another chance a few minutes later when a cross to two unmarked players in the box would surely made it safe, but he chose to go on his own. He then brought a superb save from the Bickerstaffe keeper from a close range volley. Bickerstaffe kept up the pressure with a number of long balls into the Standish penalty area but keeper Jack Ramsdale dealt with them in an assured manner.

Well played to both teams in a sometimes scrappy game which was understandable with such a lot at stake. Standish now go on to play third place Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs on Saturday when a draw would be enough to give them the Premier Division title. However if Southport win they could still have an outside chance of the title. The three teams deserve every credit for making it such an exciting end to a season following the months of bad weather.