One look at the Section D table was enough to tell anyone that this game would have a significant bearing on the eventual home of this years Onion Bag Section D Championship Trophy, as a first placed ISA battled with their main title rivals Tattenhall in this huge 4 pointer.

Goalkeeping injuries were the ISA's main concern before the kick off, as regular 'keeper James Green was announced unfit to play as he was nursing suspected broken fingers. Backup 'keeper Tommy Hollinger was also nursing an injury too with a stiff shoulder and arm making him look a doubtful starter also. Hollinger, however, realised the importance of the game and played through the pain barrier, much to the relief and delight of all around.

The game itself started with the visitors from Tattenhall settling down better than their hosts. In the first ten minutes especially they created several chances, but ISA keeper Hollinger was in outstanding form, making a number of quality saves to keep the score at 0-0. 

The ISA were gradually finding their feet in the game, and once midfielders Mann, Brazier, Thomas and Reynolds began to stamp their authority the tide started to turn, and this resulted in the ISA taking a vital lead. Some good work by the excellent Rob Reay left striker Mark Howell to fire home a neat finish from a tight angle and make it 1-0. Several minutes later and the ISA went 2-0 up through a classic own goal - a header by a Tattenhall defender left the keeper with no chance as the ball nestled into the bottom corner. 

Both teams had chances as the first half came to an end, and yet again ISA keeper Hollinger made some important saves to keep the score at 2-0. Hollinger was playing out of his skin and continued to frustrate the away side who soon saw their whole game plan crumble, as the ISA made the most of two chances with two more goals. Firstly Mark Howell got his second of the morning as he slid in perfectly to meet a ball from the left, and then Andy Johnson got himself onto the score sheet leaving Tattenhall with a second half mountain to climb.

The half time interval seemed to help the home side more than the visitors, and it wasn't long before Johnson grabbed himself another two goals and make the scoreline an incredible 6-0, in what was expected to be a closely fought contest. Mark Howell was then unlucky not to grab himself a hat-trick, as his deft little flick clipped the bar and rebounded to safety.

By this stage in the game the Tattenhall defence was looking as suspect as a Mickey Thomas Ten Pound Note, and it wasn't long before Player-Manager Paul Brazier got himself onto the score sheet with a fine run and flick over the keeper. Chances kept on coming for the ISA and 7-0 soon became 8 - Kevin Thomas was unlucky to see a shot rebound off the post, which left ISA forward Lee Miller to beat the Tattenhall defender to the ball and casually slot the rebound home.

Even with time running out and the game over, the ISA were still looking to score more. Miller, Griffiths and Reay were all denied as the 'keeper was forced to make saves. However it was the visitors who scored the next goal, as a fine strike from a free kick just outside the box left keeper Hollinger with no chance. The ISA weren't finished yet though, and the ever impressive Kevin Thomas got himself a well earned goal as he brought the ball in from the right and then beat the keeper with a high shot which nearly burst the net, to make the final score 9-1 to the ISA.

Overall an impressive display by every member of the side, and a vital win for the the lads in their quest to win Section D. A match which could well take centre stage when hopefully the end of season championship video is brought out.

The Prince of the Port

PICTURES OF THE GAME CAN BE FOUND HERE