Walney’s deadly duo to be let off the Lesh
Last updated at 17:42, Friday, 07 December 2012
WALNEY Island hot-shots Jordan Brough and Matthew Lockley are ‘terrorising’ defences, says boss Steve McCullough.
The pair have netted 23 goals between them so far in the West Lancs Division Two this season.
Tomorrow’s opponents Barrow Wanderers, now led by Brian Graham who took over the reins in October, will have their work cut out to tame the duo, but the match is expected to be a far from foregone conclusion.
While Walney are enjoying life in the top four, Wanderers, who were crowned Furness Premier League champions for the second season running in 2011/12, sit second from bottom in the league.
Nevertheless league positions can be thrown out of the window in local derbies, and McCullough is expecting a challenging match at Lesh Lane.
McCullough said of the new Wanderers boss: “I am sure he will get them organised and we expect a tough game against Barrow Wanderers on their own middin.
“We’re pretty much full strength, we haven’t really had any major concerns.
“We’ve got a settled squad that has played all the way through the season, I think that’s really helped us.
“We’ve done extremely well and I am as proud as punch with our lads and where we are.”
With the season close to the halfway stage McCullough believes there is no reason why his side cannot continue their good form into the New Year and beyond.
He said: “We have got to keep all the lads’ feet on the ground. Every game that we play they are hungry for those three points.
“We had a major blip against Askam a few weeks ago (an 11-2 defeat), but I think it was one of those games. The whole team had an off day, but to bounce back and beat Milnthorpe 5-1 two weeks ago showed a bit of character.
“They are playing some good stuff and fitness wise they have upped their game a little bit this year.”
Brough has netted 14 league goals, with McCullough adding: “Jordan has always had an appetite for goals, him and Matthew Lockley are terrorising teams up top.
“We are going there full of confidence so there is no reason why we can’t be confident in winning the game.
“Again it’s a local derby, league positions and performances in the last few weeks go out of the window, it’s down to who wants it most on that day.”
Wanderers’ season has been hampered by the weather but they did see some West Lancs League Division Two action last week. However, their trip to Bolton County ended in a 4-2 defeat despite Wanderers giving a good account of themselves.
They will be looking to make amends tomorrow but are aware of the dangerous Brough.
James Fitch, who ran the side with Neil Cloudsdale earlier in the season following the departure of Brian White, is looking forward to the game, and the side will aim to even the score after suffering defeat at Tummerhill earlier in the season.
Fitch said: “I think if we keep the centre forward under wraps we will be in with a good chance. Jordan Brough is having a really good season, Walney themselves are having a good season.
“The problem we’ve had, and it’s the same for everybody else, is getting consistency with the games. The whole team from back to front has been really committed and done really well. If we have a full-strength team this weekend then we should be in with a good chance.
“There are four or five that are very good going forward, so hopefully we can get a couple of goals out of them.
“We’ve been trying different systems. Because we are new to the league we are hopefully getting a bit more of a balanced set-up.”
Midfielder Kyle McCormick skippers the side and Andy Forristal is having a really good season so far.
* Wanderers first team are looking for a sponsor. If you can help contact James Fitch on 07814 431401.
First published at 16:27, Friday, 07 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
There is not only Jordan Brough making a big impact in the local football his sibling Ash Brough is making some sound defensive displays for walney 2 very impressive players
Posted by Lee Richards on 9 December 2012 at 11:48