Greenalls 3 Middlewich 1

GREENALLS bounced back to winning ways this week in a convincing win over league strugglers Middlewich.

Goals from Robbie Hanley, Gaz Johns and Craig Hoyland secured a much-needed three points for GPSO after last week’s disappointing display against league rivals Eagle Sports.

Lee Vaughan thought he had opened the scoring for the travellers in the opening 10 minutes, his shot found the net but he was denied by the offside flag.

Middlewich started strongly and took the lead in the 15th minute through captain Sam O’Sullivan, who headed past Greenalls’ keeper Craig Clare from a corner kick.

The first half was quiet and did not provide many chances for either side until striker Robbie Hanley evened up the score with a header from close range courtesy of a Johns delivery.

In the second half, Greenalls started to control the game through the midfield with Middlewich struggling to keep up with the pace in which the away side were attacking.

It took only seven minutes into the second half for Greenalls’ pressure to turn into goals with left back Johns making a rare appearance on the score sheet.

His strong tackle on the Middlewich defender set the ball up perfectly on the edge of the box for Johns to strike forcefully past the keeper.

Middlewich tried to pile men forward as they searched for an equaliser which left them vulnerable at the back.

This provided many chances for Greenalls on the counter attack most notably for Lee Vaughan and Thomas Lees who failed to further the deficit.

On the hour mark, striker Craig Hoyland put the game out of reach as he provided GPSO with their third of the day, he controlled a pass from over his shoulder, switched the ball onto his left and then back onto his right before curling the ball into the top corner of the net.

GPSO were boosted by the return of club captain Mark Hughes who added some much-needed experience to the side, and he almost grabbed a goal himself with a thunderous strike that rattled the crossbar in the dying seconds of the game.

The result leaves Middlewich at the foot of the league as they struggle to pick up points, but for Greenalls this victory will be a massive confidence boost as they prepare for the visit of league leaders Garswood FC to Long Lane next week.

Greenalls Craig Clare, Chris Rogers, Gareth Johns, Alex Hardman, Jack Hynes, Paul Dobson, Glen Percival, Mark Hughes , Robbie Hanley, Craig Hoyland, Lee Vaughan. Subs Tomo Lees, Billy Bennett.