In-form Locke opens Blues defence
Last updated 11:50, Wednesday, 01 October 2008
ARIVAL encounter between a Carlisle side and a Penrith- based team produced a full-flowing game, with both sides playing outstanding football.
The first five minutes showed exactly what the tie meant to both teams when determination, flair and speed were all introduced into the game.
Denton Holme’s Danny Scott’s 35-yard dribble from his own half to the opposition’s box, just minutes into the game, was a prime example.
Michael Locke, Denton’s striker, opened the scoring, latching onto a precise through ball, before slamming his shot into the bottom corner of Castletown’s net, past keeper Gregg Hall.
Denton pushed for a second, but Castletown’s backline stood firm, led by centre-halves Michael Reid and Ben Dixon. The confidence of the Blues’ defenders shone through the rest of the side, resulting in Antony Bailey running unchallenged through the Denton midfield and defence, before he was fouled 20 yards from goal.
Unlike the first, Denton’s second wasn’t quite as sublime, Shane Dorward tapping the ball over the line from a corner, doubling his side’s lead.
The second goal quickly sprung a third, when Scott got his second, lobbing the Castletown keeper from 16 yards.
Two quick chances for Castletown weren’t converted, Bailey dragging wide each time when he was one-on-one.
However, ten minutes into the second-half, Bailey and Cragg combined for a deserved Castletown goal, with Bailey finishing neatly, firing past Denton keeper Liam Colley.
Yet, despite conceding, Denton responded professionally, completing the best move of the game with a fourth goal.
Starting with keeper Colley, the ball found its way down the right flank, before moving across to the left side of the Castletown box, where Michael Locke drilled a powerful shot into the back of the net.
David Halliwell’s Castletown team kept knocking on Denton’s door, but the quality in Denton’s side proved too much. The introduction of Hamzah Dhalech provided further speed, strength and intelligence in attack.
The fifth and final goal went to Elliott Travers,who rocketed a half-volley into the Blues’ net,showing greattechnique.
Michael Locke, Denton’s star striker, said: “I enjoyed the game and would like to thank Lewis Thorburn who helped me and the team to success.
“ I was pleased with my goal and believe we can reach our goal in winning the cup.”
