Vikings FC 1 - 4 Formby FC

In a fast paced end to end game, the home side come away from the Select Security Stadium after succumbing to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of reigning North West Counties Division One champions Formby. A defensive error in the Vikings defensive line lead to the away side taking the lead. Mark Kirkby profited from the lapse in defence to slot the ball past keeper Jack Earle.

A scrappy game followed the opening goal of the game as a number of fouls were given against Formby as they battled to keep in front. Vikings FC had their chances to pull the scores level during the first half but the Formby defence held firm until a brilliant left footed free kick, which found the top corner of the Formby net by James Thomas put the home side level just before half time. Thomas’ goal would have made Vikings FC manager Steve Hill’s half time team talk slightly easier until Luke Holden executed a brilliant lob over keeper Earle in the 44th minute.

The second half contained the same exciting attacking football as the first half from both teams with the home side yet again chasing another equaliser. This was quashed when referee Broadhurst pointed to the spot and awarded Formby had a contentious penalty. Captain Mikey White slotted home the penalty and Formby were now in danger of putting this game to bed. They done just that in the 74th minute when Emini Adegbenro fired home the fourth goal after a rebounded shot fell to his feet, Jack Earle was slow out of his goal to collect the ball. The home side looked dead and buried. Earle came to the rescue late in the game to prevent Formby netting a fifth after coming off his line to sweep away the danger.

When asked about his team’s performance Steve Hill said “We have got to cut out these silly errors that we make, there like gifts.” Whereas Formby manager Jim Shirley was impressed with his side’s performance away from home and said “I thought that is the best football we have played all season.” Vikings fans will be hoping for a better performance against 1874 Northwich in the cup next week.