Leigh Genesis 0-3 North Ferriby United

Genesis lose but Merricks full of praise for his young side

  SAT 08 NOV 2008

On a blustery day in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Genesis came unstuck as North Ferriby United were the visitors for the Club's latest Unibond Premier Division match.

Lee Merricks look charge of the first team for the first time as he introduced a mix of youth and regular players. Debuts were given to Chris Dykes and later in the game Chris Rogers while former goalkeeper Tim Dittmer returned to the club as keeper. 

Joining him and captaining the side was Chris Holland who along with Jon Goulding,  played a big part in the game in centre midfield.

Dittmer was a suprise to the fans as they arrived at Husrt Cross and after several clever saves he had to pick the ball out of the back of the net on eight minutes. The visitors mounted early pressure, and success came from former Scunthorpe United striker Steve Torpey.

After that the Geness side tried to break Ferriby down with wingers Sam Parkinson and Chris Dykes looking dangerous. As the break came close the visitors coudl have doubled their advantage had it not been for Dittmer's save.

As the second period got underway, Leigh settled and dominated the game for a long period. Mounting pressure looked set to tell as the impressive McCaughtrie went close on 2 occasions and Ormesher came close with a powerful header. The dangerous Parkinson then went in one on one with the keeper only to shoot just wide of the mark. His performace earned him the day's man of the match award.

Kevin Larkin doubled his sides advantage on 64 minutes as the Leigh defence couldn't stop him from unleashing a shot on Tim Dittmer's goal as he looked stunned to be beaten.

Changes followed as Radcliffe, Rogers and Hill were introduced to the Genesis side but it couldn't stop the visitors from finding a final third goal. Calum Russell killed Genesis off on the 76th minute as he hit an unstoppable strike to end the days scoring.      

Lee Merricks side now have a quick turnaround as they travel to Atherton Colls to take on the North-West Counties League side in the Lancashire Co-Operative Trophy on Monday evening. Kick off at Alder House will be at 7:45pm. 
Leiigh Genesis: Dittmer, Sefton, Fielding, Page, Smith, Holland, Dykes, Goulding, MCaughtrie, Ormesher, Parkinson, Hill (83) Rogers (67) Radcliffe (75)
Man of the Match: Sam Parkinson