Report

Fresh from their extra time Semi Final win at Carlisle, Darkside came up against fellow promotion hopefuls Parkside Reserves. From the off it was clear the home side loved to get the ball down and play football, on a hot day Darkside were made to do a lot of chasing.

In an open first half it was Darkside who struck first, Dan’s throw in to the box was flicked on by a Parkside defender and into the back his own net for 1-0. Darkside withstood a bit of pressure before breaking for a quality second, Tim won the ball on the edge of his own box before exchanging passes with Dave on the half way line and setting Nick away, he ghosted past the centre half and lashed home a great second.

Parkside did have the ball in the net, from a long throw, that was ruled out having not touched anyone on the way in.

At half time it was a buoyant atmosphere and mood, it didn’t last long. A dubious penalty awarded against Ash who’d clearly won the ball, and Parkside dispatched a pen for 2-1, the tide turned and it was all Parkside, they scored a scrappy second and had Darkside pinned back. They thought they’d taken the lead, Mike clearing the ball from behind the line, and the ref unable to see, didn’t award a goal.

This frustration caused Parkside to take their foot off the pedal, and, having thrown Rich and Adam on, it was Darkside who took the lead again. Ash delivered long in to the box, and via a Parkside head it was 3-2 to the visitors. It soon became 4-2, the Parkside keeper saving at full stretch and Rich turned in the rebound. Parkside had wilted in the heat, Darkside pressed looking for more goals but were unable to take their chances.