Gilchrist Trophy Semi Final



Avro 2 Walshaw 3



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Walshaw put in a fantastic spirited performance to come back from the dead and book their place in the prestigious Gilchrist Trophy final at Avro on Saturday.





With a depleted squad due to suspensions and eligibility the odds looked stacked against the Sycamore Road outfit .



The early stages saw Walshaw take the game to their hosts and Richard Woodward had what looked a legitimate goal wiped out for a push on the keeper .



Against the run of play Avro took the lead when O’brien curled a free kick into the top corner the lead was soon doubled when Obrien got free at the far post and his shot gave the host a two goal cushion.



Walshaw had to pick themselves up for the second period but with a performance of desire and belief that’s just what they did. Dominic Slavin who had just hit the post started the fightback when a poor clearance from the goalkeeper fell at his feet thirty yards out, there was still a lot to do but the midfielder slammed an audacious half volley over the keepers head to half the deficit.



Walshaw were now rampant with Lee Gaskell and Lee Chapman particularly effective .



Chances came and went before they played their final card bringing Ryan Nowak on to replace the injured Phil Porter ,with ten minutes remaining the marauding Chapman got to the byline a pulled the ball back for leading scorer to Gaskell to level the match .



Within two minutes Gaskell was at the byline and his pull back was expertly steered home by the arch goal poacher Nowak to send the Walshaw contingent wild.



A performance of true team spirit and determination and one that should hold Walshaw in great stead for the rest of the title run in.



Walshaw reserves kept up the pressure on leaders Dukinfield with a 3-2 win against 3rd place Avro goasl from Jordan Hulme Josh Taylor and Rob Pilling sealed the victory.



Walshaw have another big match at Sycamore this week with third place Dukinfield the visitors KO 2pm