The Dock Association Football Club

Bidston gained a league double over Dock after a disappointing display by the home side at Borough Road. Dock looked the brighter in the early stages, but in truth, the final result was a fair reflection of the 90 minutes.

After taking the game to Bidston in the opening minutes, Dock fell behing when Paul Davies in goal failed to hold on to a high cross in the slippery conditions and the loose ball was stabbed home from close range.

Dock then countered with waves of attacks, prompted by midfielder Luke Hughes and the front running of Chris Barrow.

Chances fell to Saunders, McGraa and Charters, but the equaliser failed to materialize.

HT: Dock 0-1 Bidston.

Dock pressed early in the second half, but were caught out by a swift Bidston counter after 50 minutes. Davies made a fine one handed save, but from the resultant corner, poor marking in the home defence let the Bidston centre half in for an easy finish.

Dock were handed a lifeline when Steve Duckers was fouled from a Barrow through ball and a penalty was awarded. However, Barrow failed from the spot due to a fine save and from then on Dock failed to trouble the visitors goal. It was no surprise when Bidston scored a third in the 85th minute after more slack defending.

Chris Barrow did pull one back at the death, from a close range header, but Dock will need to improve for the Cheshire Cup game next weekend when they entertain Cale Green.

FT: Dock 1-3 Bidston.

Dock. 4-3-3 (with substitues in brackets).
Davies, Duckers, Wingfield, Irving, Byrne, Hughes, Charters, Clampitt, Saunders (Ryan), I. McGraa (Head), Barrow.

More Photos

Report: Peter Warburton
Photos: Chris Stading

Dock comfortably negotiated their first outing in the competion, albeit after conceding an early goal against the run of play.

Dock enjoyed the vast majority of the early possession, but fell behind to a twenty five yard snapshot that flew into the top corner of Martyn Stevenson’s goal.

Dock continued to create chances and eventually equalised when Mike McGraa glance in a near post header from one of the numerous corners Ashville conceded.

HT Ashville OB 1-1 Dock

The second half was mostly one way traffic, as Dock’s possession and retention of the ball told on the home team’s fitness and Ashville only managed sporadic counters.

Further goals came from Ian Irving (although Paul Ryan claimed the slightest of touches), Mark Head, which was the pick of the five and two more for Mike McGraa from close range to complete his hat-trick.

FT Ashville OB 1-5 Dock

Dock have been drawn at home against Stirrup in the next round.

Match Report by Peter Warburton

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Dock will now play Cale Green FC at home in the second round of the Cheshire Sunday Cup. The tie will be played at The Memorial Ground on Sunday 20th October with an 11am kick off.

Click on the Cheshire FA logo on the left for a full list of the 2nd round Cheshire Sunday Cup fixtures.