Title-chasers toppled as Kirklands hit away form

The visitors started brightly and looked dangerous on the counter attack with Matt Lockwood and Matt Summersgill causing the Terriers’ defence problems out wide.

And after 20 minutes a Kirklands counter attack led to a corner which Lockwood swung to the back post where Ian Waldie had sneaked in before volleying the ball into the back of the net for the lead.

Kirklands grew in confidence and continued to play the better football but were unable to add to their lead before the end of the first half thanks mainly to the hosts’ goalkeeper.

West End started the second half the brighter and the Kirklands midfield trio of Carey, Dragan and Townend continued to break up play and thwart the Terriers until a long ball caught the visitors napping and was buried by Martin Pegg to level.

The Terriers, buoyed by their first, sored again before another Lockwood corner caused havoc in the box and, after Leigh Rattigan flicked the ball on, Waldie pounced from close range to steer the ball into the bottom corner.

As the game neared its conclusion, Kirklands mounted an attack when Dragan received the ball on the edge of the area and slotted a well-weighted ball into the path of Luke Mackenzie, who sent the keeper the wrong way before cushioning his shot into the bottom corner to give Kirklands a 3-2 victory.

Brad Jackson, Lockwood and Chris Markey impressed, but the Screw Gym Wear and F & G MOM went to Waldie.

Next up for Kirklands are Miners Arms at home on Sunday.