Poulton FC Battled Hard But Fall Short Against Tempest United at Cottam Hall

Despite a challenging scoreline, Poulton FC showed resilience and promise with new players debuting and late chances to turn the tide.

Poulton FC faced a challenging day at Cottam Hall in a home match against Tempest United. Despite early efforts to gain momentum, a pair of penalties, some sloppy errors and a good press from Tempest left Poulton on the back foot.

The visitors opened the scoring with a penalty in the 9th minute, setting a difficult tone for the afternoon. Poulton responded quickly, nearly equalizing three minutes later as Will Andrew found space on the right side. However, his shot went just over the bar, missing a golden opportunity to level the score.

Another chance came Poulton’s way in the 18th minute, with a brilliant switch play from Billy Joyce to George Byrne on the right. Byrne’s strike forced a spill from the Tempest keeper, but, unfortunately, Haiden Wrathall was unable to convert the rebound from close range.

Poulton switched off and unchallenged attempts allowed Tempest to capitalise again in the 20th minute, and a third time just minutes later. Another penalty in the 31st minute extended Tempest’s lead to 0-4. Poulton made their first substitution shortly after, with Ryan Charnley replacing Wrathall in an attempt to regain control in the final third. Tempest continued to apply pressure and a mix up at the back saw Tempest notch a fifth goal in the 34th minute, sending Poulton into the halftime break with a tough deficit.

Manager John Wigglesworth made further changes at the half, introducing Andy Bartholomew and debut player Sen Muya. Poulton’s second half showed renewed resilience and spirit, with the team creating several chances. In the 70th minute, an impressive passing sequence between Adam Jennings and Billy McKenna resulted in a well-placed shot from Joyce that forced an excellent save by Tempest’s keeper.

More substitutes, including another league debut for Caden Beckett, brought fresh energy into the side, and Poulton’s defense held firm under any pressure from Tempest’s attacks. Adam Ridings made an important save at the near post in the 80th minute, and the defense continued to stand strong, withstanding a dangerous free kick that rattled the crossbar just minutes before the final whistle.

In the 89th minute, Poulton nearly closed out with a consolation goal. Dan Smith’s drive upfield connected with Ryan Charnley, who then played in Adam Jennings, but Jennings’ shot was comfortably saved by Tempest’s keeper.

Though the match ended in defeat, Poulton’s determination to create chances and integrate debut players offers promising signs for the season ahead. Errors that ultimately cost the FY6ers the game will look to be put behind us as the squad will look to regroup and bring renewed focus as they prepare for their next match.

Manager, John Wigglesworth said this: “We really were not tuned in to this game from the start and 5 errors cost us 5 goals in a very short space of time. Slightly better in the second half but a very bad day at the office that we will look to turnaround on Saturday, in the cup.”

Next match, the lads are away to Eagley in the Lancashire FA Amateur Shield on 9th November.