Tough test for Karl's first game (From Warrington Guardian)

Tough test for Karl's first game

CONGLETON Town's new boss faces a stiff task in his first match in charge with a visit to highflying Newcastle.

Karl Wilcox was appointed as the Bears new manager after Saturday's away defeat at second from bottom Formby.

He takes over from caretaker manager Neil Bithell, who had been in charge following the resignation last month of Kevin Langley.

Karl has managed Leek Town, Rocester and Meir KA, and his first match in charge at Congleton will be next Monday's visit to third-placed Newcastle Town.

Karl, aged 42, was also head coach at Kidsgrove, and comes to Congleton after coaching Brereton Social FC in the West Midlands League.

"Congleton Town is a club which is just waiting to take off," he said.

"My top priority is to stabilise our position in the league, and to finish as high as we can before looking to building for next season."

Congleton go into the Christmas period in 16th position, seven points ahead of second from bottom Formby, where they lost 2-1 on Saturday.

The Bears were under strength for the league match, being without Higham, keeper McMahon, Maddocks and Burquest.

Higson was unable to replace McMahon after being injured last week, and David Coleman from Knutsford made his debut in goal for Congleton on Saturday after being signed late in the week.

Petrie had a good chance for the Bears early on when he was put through by Williams, but his shot was cleared off the line by the Formby centre half Jackson.

Formby took the lead on 35 minutes when a ball was played through the Congleton defence.

Coleman came out and blocked a shot from Atkinson, but the ball fell kindly for him, and he tapped in the rebound.

Williams fired in a shot from 20 yards, only to see it take a deflection into the arms of the Formby keeper.

Congleton were rocked by a second Formby goal three minutes into the second half.

The ball was crossed to the far post, where Jackson, who had an excellent game, rose to head past Coleman.

Formby were reduced to 10 men when Tole, who had already been booked, was given a straight red card for elbowing Park in the face.

The Bears pulled a goal back 15 minutes from the end, a header from Ellis looping over the keeper from eight yards.

Congleton are at home to Glossop on January 3.