Woodsend 2

Moss Vale 5

IN THE weekend's top local derby, Altrincham Sunday League first division leaders Moss Vale travelled to local rivals Woodsend, and overcome the challenging conditions to come away with a 5-2 victory.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Vale found it hard to play their usual passing game, and had to adapt accordingly

However, Woodsend deservedly took the lead when Vale's Barry Smith was adjudged, by the man in the middle, to have overturned Danny Counsel within the eighteen yard box. The resultant spot kick was cooly slotted away by Ian Sadler.

Woodsend then stung Vale with a second strike shortly after.

Ex-Vale player Gareth Hunt struck the target to put double the home side's lead.

Resolute Vale dug deep and pushed forward in the search for the goal that would put them back in the match and they were justly rewarded when Steve Tobin latched onto a loose ball and eased it past the advancing Woodsend keeper, Lee Swanson.

The wind was at Vale's backs after the turnaround and it seemed to give them a fresh impetus.

The attacking force of Banim, Roddis and Brickhill bombarded the Woodsend goalmouth.

However, the Woodsend rearguar did themselves credit by holding them at bay.

Moss Vale suffered another blow with 25 minutes remaining when Steve Leese, the Vale goalkeeper, injured his leg and had to be replaced by Steve Vost.

Vost, who had never played between the posts before, did not have to worry too much, as he was only called into action once in the remaining 25 minutes.

Gradually, the Woodsend defence tired of the Moss Vale onslaught, and eventually capitulated to let in four further goals.

The strikes from Steve Tobin, Gary Brickhill, Martin Benson and Jodi Banim secured the full three points for Moss Vale.

Woodsend proved to be a good team at times and although the defeat was a major body blow, Tony Henderson, the Woodsend manager must feel quietly confident of pushing for promotion to the Premier Division.

A big test awaits Moss Vale next week when they travel to the Hollies playing fields, Mersey Road, Didsbury to meet the Premiership Champions and league leaders Nelson Didsbury in the quarter final of the Altrincham and District League Cup - KO 11am.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.