The 90 degree goal scoring opportunity

Last weekend, Prescot Cables entertained Ossett Albion, who had not enjoyed a good start to the season. The weather was not particularly pleasant, with intermittent rain. I took up position on my polyethylene cushion, and turned those thoughts that were not on the game and avoiding being accidentally clattered to the desirability of new kit, namely waterproof trousers.

Programme editor Gareth Coates asked if I could crop a couple of pictures of club captain James McCulloch with a bit of extra space above his head so one could go on the cover for the following week's programme, marking his 300th appearance, which, all being well, would take place at Bamber Bridge in midweek. Fortunately, as he pointed out to me waiting in the tunnel, he was sporting a smart new haircut.

James McCulloch

We were attacking towards the Safari Park End. Once again, we scored before I was ready, with a goal from Alan Burton. Even when I tried to get the celebration, everyone was heading back to our own half.

Alan Burton

We looked to be having the better of the game until Marcus Burgess fell to an occupational hazard of goalkeeping, being sent off for handling outside his area.

Marcus Burgess in his area

The Laws of the Game are quite specific: the goalkeeper outside his penalty area is subject to the same handling restrictions as other players, so should only be sent off if handling denies a goal or obvious goal scoring opportunity. Leaving aside the question of whether the handball was deliberate, for which my view was obstructed, the foul occurred next to the goal line at the edge of the penalty area, so if anyone scored from there, Ossett Albion's goal of the season committee could pack up for a few months, knowing their work was done. Even a yellow card for handling to break up a promising attack would have been stretching it. Visiting goalkeeper Brett Souter clearly agreed, as he trotted over to shake Marcus' hand as he left the field.

Most teams at this level do not keep a goalkeeper on the bench, as such a player would go for weeks without playing Saturday football. An outfield player will need to go in goal, and the lot fell to Lloyd Dean.

Lloyd Dean in his accustomed position ...

... and in goal.

A player who is not keeping goal regularly will take time to get used to the position, and whilst our defence protected well, we could not avoid the hosts scoring just before half time. We seemed more confident in the second half, with Lloyd growing in confidence and making some good saves in a Roanza Truck and Van Man of the Match winning performance.

I split my time in the second half, about half in front of the covered standing at the Eaton Street End, from where I seem to get a lot of good angles...

Josef Faux

... and the rest in the more lively position (with balls and players flying in my direction) in front of the fence on the Gasworks Side.

Tunde Owolabi

After some good play at both ends, we secured a point from a game that looked precarious half an hour in.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen on the club website here (Pitchero displaying the most recent first again, grr), and on Google Photos here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 1 (Burton) Ossett Albion 1