Sedge have edge in scrappy contest

LIVERSEDGE ground out a much-needed win in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division last Saturday.

The result saw Winterton slip to the foot of the table and although Liversedge remain 13th, they are just five points outside the top eight.

Sedge were the better side for long periods but hampered when influential midfielder Danny Cooper was forced off with a groin strain after around half an hour.

From there the game became disjointed and scrappy but Sedge deserved to return from Scunthorpe with the three points, which should give them confidence ahead of Saturday’s eagerly awaited derby against high-flying Brighouse Town.

Lowly Winterton created the game’s first opening but Ryan Blythe was alert to push the shot around a post.

Andy Howland has made the switch from Eccleshill United having impressed in a trial game and he was given a first start and had a lively game.

Tate Williams fed Joe Hewitt, who sent over a lovely cross but Howland headed wide.

Chris Hirst and James Rothell then linked to carve out an opportunity for Gibril Bojang and the powerful striker was unlucky to see his shot crash against a post.

Liversedge deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes when a throw in caused confusion in the Winterton area.

Several shots were blocked before the ball rebounded to Adam Jarrett, who fired home to put the visitors ahead.

Hewitt and Cooper linked to create another chance for Jarrett but his effort was well saved.

Shortly after, Cooper was forced off injured to be replaced by Jarrod Peltier and Liversedge were content to see out the remainder of the half and take a 1-0 advantage into the break.

James Riordan ventured forward to take an early second half free-kick but he fired just over.

Bojang had a good run but curled his shot wide and the game then petered out with very few chances in the final quarter.

Liversedge shuffled things around after introducing Under-19s players Alistair Butters from the bench

It may not have been Liversedge’s best display of the season but the three points were important and after a run which saw them draw five and lose one of six games, Eric Gilchrist’s men have now won back-to-back matches and will look to make it a hat-trick against Brighouse on Saturday.

Liversedge: Blythe, Hewitt, Rothell, Cooper (Peltier 31), Leach, Riordan, Williams (Butters 59), Hirst, Howland, Bojang, Jarrett (Toronczak 55).

n Liversedge Reserves saw their East Lancs League clash away to Harrogate Railway postponed due to a waterlogged pitch last Saturday.

n The Under-19s were due to meet Yorkshire Amateurs in the Northern Youth Alliance League Pat Rice Trophy on Tuesday but that too was called off and has been rearranged for next week.