Cheadle Town 2-0 Daisy Hill

A sunny day with the sunniest of results as Cheadle Town collected another league double. The fact that Daisy Hill had a penalty saved and also carved out their fair share of half-chances doesn't disguise the fact that this was probably the easiest three points Cheadle will collect all season.

The match started with something that has rarely happened this season: Cheadle scoring in the first half! After eight minutes, Andy Lindon fed a lovely ball through to Arron Riley who delicately lobbed the oncoming 'keeper. Against a Daisy Hill side that look relatively dissinterested, that should have signalled the start of an onslaught.

When Arron Riley and Scott Flanagan forced the 'keeper into saves around the half-hour mark, the onslaught looked on. Daisy Hill mis-read this script on 33 minutes as they won a penalty after Macca had brought their striker down in the area.

Macca was reprieved for his mistake when the Cheadle 'keeper beat out the penalty but then somehow managed to scuff a shot into the Daisy Hill 'keeper's arms when put clean through just a minute later. Half-time, 1-0 to Cheadle.

Realising that they were still only a goal down and could in fact get something out of the match, Daisy Hill had a much-improved second half by their own standards. On 63 minutes their best chance of the match (bar the penalty) came but the shot was lashed wildly wide of the post.

Cheadle's profligacy in front of goal continued as half-chance after half-chance went begging. Scott Flanagan wasted a good chance on 67 minutes when he blasted wide and Deano side-footed a shot into the 'keeper's arms on 83 minutes when put through.

Somewhat ironic, then, that Cheadle's second came from an own goal on the 75 minute mark. A thrown-in was tossed into the area with Brocklehurst winning the flick. Behind him was a Daisy' defender who unfortunately shinned the ball into his own net.

So, an easy three points for Cheadle who never really got out of second gear for the whole match. I'm not being arrogant, but it's not they needed to. However, next Saturday's match at home to Winsford United will be a different kettle of fish altogether; third, fourth and fifth gears will come in handy....

TEAM: Smith, McDonagh, B Roberts (Brokenbrow), Cotterill, A Roberts, Lindon, Riley (Heath), Brocklehurst, Flanagan, Hussain (Martin), Powell. Subs: Martin, Brokenbrow, Heath