Football: Wearside League

Last updated 15:56, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

WHITEHAVEN were made to work for this end-of-season victory which leaves the team still in with a chance of runners-up place in the league, which would be enough to clinch promotion.

Things started well for the West Cumbrians when a pass from defence by Kevin Law was controlled by Carl McGrady, who slipped a glorious through ball to Mike Farrer. He beat the visitors’ keeper Curtis to score with a low shot and it looked like the floodgates would open.

Rock bottom Silksworth had other ideas however and gradually played their way into the game, with Shaun Smith finally getting some reward for his side’s industry by making the most of a mix-up in the home defence and rolling the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

The hosts then missed a succession of chances as the half drew to a close, and though offering little in the way of attacking football, Silksworth battled hard defensively.

The second half saw the visitors under extreme pressure, and Curtis made some excellent saves from Darren Donald, David Dustin and Mally Holliday. And when he was beaten, the post and crossbar came to his aid, and it looked like Whitehaven would have to settle for a point.

Then a move down the right in the 85th minute saw Robert Fowler and Donald combine, and Donald’s cross found Craig Robson steaming in to prod the ball home and send his side into raptures.

“It was a hard fought win which was important for us today,” said chairman Bill Robson. “But with Jarrow winning, it means that they have it in their hands and will end up in second place if they beat Annfield Plain.”