Gomersal hosted Oxenhope in this weeks midweek fixture at Liversedge FC.

A change of formation was implemented with the team switching from a 4-3-3 to a 3-5-2. Lineup was as follows:

Cameron Feather

Ash Burton
Joel Farrar (C)
Jonjo Haley

Ethan Walshaw
Lee Bennett
Blake Maude
Josh Carney
Liam Bartle

Adam Simpson
Jonny Irving

There was a good tempo and needle to the game with both sides starting the game well. Oxenhope also setup in a 3-5-2 and looked to play out from the back. Gomersal deployed a low block allowing the back line of Oxenhope to play their rotational passes across the back 5. Oxenhope had the majority of possession, Gomersal defending the central areas well and forcing Oxenhope out wide then springing on the counter attack once the error had been forced.

Both teams were struggling to create clear cut chances, it was in the 36th minute when Jonny Irving capitalised on an error at the back for Oxenhope. Gomersal front men pressing the back line, Adam Simpson forced an error from the goalkeeper, the ball left free in the 6 yard box for Jonny Irving to tap.

Gomersal went in to half time 1-0 up.

The heavens opened at the start of the second half, Oxenhope started fast but did not work goalkeeper Cameron Feather who was protected by some good defending. The game was tight up until the 80th minute, a good cross from Oxenhope to the front post had Joel Farrar and the Striker competing for the ball in the air, the ball struck the post and bounced off on to Cameron Feather in the goal, dropping into the bottom corner 1-1.

The equaliser did not last long though!

Gomersal scored 2 minutes after conceding, Ben Smith picked the ball up 25 yard out from goal, turned, fainted that he was going to put in a cross for the strikers in the box. However, catching the keeper off his line, Ben cheekily directed the lob shot over the back tracking keeper to get them Gomersal bench off their feet in jubilation! 2-1

From taking the lead Gomersal sat in and had to soak up a lot of pressure from Oxenhope as they piled bodies forward. The Referee played 5 minutes additional time but the Gomersal defence stood strong to take the victory and the 3 points.

Jonjo Haley was voted the Man of the Match with his excellent defensive efforts, did not lose a dual all game.