Match Report | Les Taylor

Garstang 0 Burnley United 2:
West Lancs Premier League:
Game: Saturday May 2nd 15:00 hrs
Report: May 3rd 19:00 hrs

Two goals by Burnley substitute Darren Whittaker did burst Garstang's end of season party balloon although there had been an even bigger shock leading up to the game with the news that Scott Somerside was to step down from his position as manager.

The Garstang players looked to have this on their minds as they struggled to dominate the already relegated Burnley side. A well struck free kick by Ireland after 16 minutes was Garstang's first real chance but the Burnley keeper, Brennan, got down well to save. He then did well to keep out a point blank header from Horton. Burnley were giving as much as they got as Morrison hit the side netting with a fierce strike.

A turning point in the game came in the 33 minute when the Burnley skipper Whittaker was carried off and replaced by his namesake Darren, who went on to be the eventual match winner. An injury to Andy Ireland didn't help Garstang's cause, the full back being replaced by Joe Miller. It was no surprise when the visitors took the lead just before the break when the unmarked substitute Whittaker headed home.

Within 5 minutes of the second half starting, Burnley's other hero, Brennan, had made two more great saves from Horton and Kilifin as the home team piled on the pressure. The writing was on the wall in the 67th minute when Whittaker was quick to pounce to make it 0-2 and despite numerous chances that followed, most notebly from Fawcett, Cummins and Geoff Wilson, it just wasn't going to Garstang's day leaving a third place finish depending on Dalton's inability to beat Wren Rovers in their last game.

Garstang: Brindle, A. Taylor Snr., Ireland, Baker, Cropper, R.Wilson, Kilifin, Fawcett, Horton, Cummins and G.Wilson
Substitutes: Waite, Southward, Miller (Ireland), C Maticheccia (G Wilson)

Burnley United: Brennan, Crorken, Garvin, Davies, Scaiff, Whittaker, Eagan, Habiak, Morrison, Barnes and Harrison
Substitutes: D Whittaker (Whittaker)

The match was kindly sponsored by Garstang Cleaning Specialists who chose Adam Kilifin as Man of the Match.