Match Report | Les Taylor

A Simon Williams brace in the last twelve minutes ensured the points for Garstang in a game that looked like it was heading for a drab draw. Manager, Somerside was forced to juggle the pack once again with Baker still recovering from a bout of flu and Baldwin reporting in with a back strain. Both players however, took up places on the bench which meant a return for Cummins and a first start for Horton.

The first half was largely a non-event other than a Fawcett strike that was comfortably saved by the visiting keeper and a shot by the diminutive ex Fleetwood Town and Clitheroe striker, Saunders that didn't trouble Brindle too much. On the stroke of half-time Cummins did bring the game to light with a good run and cross that fizzed across the goal without anyone applying the final touch. The only other noteable incident of the first half was a booking for home skipper Wilson for a late challenge.

A crowd approaching 100 in numbers was brought to life on 54 minutes when Garstang did exert some pressure with a series of corners, but the danger was averted. The Manager made what was to be a winning substitution in the 61st minute. Richard Wilson replaced brother Geoff, who was having a frustrating afternoon, and moved Williams to a more central attacking role and the move worked a treat. It wasn't long before Williams had headed on to the bar after good work by Fawcett and then the winger cum striker scored the first of his two goals. Substitute Richard Wilson hoisted the ball down the middle, Williams got between the two big defenders and made no mistake from close range with only 12 minutes remaining. Haslingden had their moments . Ireland had smothered away a Saunders cross for a corner and Cropper had blocked a good strike from Barker but victory was sealed, with only two minutes to go, when Brindle punted another long ball down the middle. The visitors skipper, Rispin didn't deal with it and in nipped Williams to score his second goal and secure a valuable three points.

With three severe tests to come, Freckleton and Barnoldswick away, and Blackpool Wren Rovers at home in the next two weeks, the win was all the more important to keep in touch with the leaders.

Garstang: Brindle, Kilifin, Cropper, McEvoy, Ireland, Williams, Cummins, Fawcett, Cox, Wilson G, Horton
Substitutes: R Wilson (G Wilson), Baldwin (Cox), Baker, A.Taylor snr.

Haslingden St. Marys: Cogger, Clark, Grimshaw, Smart, Rispin, Taylor N., Pearson, Taylor A., Barker, Saunders, Siddle,
Substitutes: Hartree, Truelove, Bullen.