Fulwood Amateurs claim scalp of Nelson to reach semis
Fulwood Amateurs, whose home win had shocked favourites AFC Fylde in the previous round, progressed to the semi-finals of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy following a fine 1-0 midweek win at Nelson.
It is the first time that the NWCL Lightfoot Green based side have been eligible to enter the competition.
It was a fine all-round team performance from manager Phil Blackwell’s side to claim the scalp of Nelson on their home ground – known locally as ‘Little Wembley’ – particularly as they are riding high at the top of the league challenging for promotion for a second consecutive season.
The only goal of the game was scored shortly after the half-hour mark when Owen Watkinson burst through on a strong forward run, before turning his marker on the edge of the area and firing home a well-struck low shot which ended up nestling in the bottom corner of the net.
Both teams defences were marshalled by two experienced veteran defenders in what was a tight game.
Fulwood fielded one of their committee members – the former Kendal,Lancaster, Bamber Bridge and AFC Fylde centre half Glen Steele – while Nelson had the 42 year old Andy Procter in their starting line-up.
Procter, the current Blackburn Rovers head of medicine, once captained Preston North End, having also played league football for Accrington Stanley and Bury.
Fulwood were by far the dominant side in both halves. They should have added to their tally and came close to scoring on several occasions but were thwarted by some last-ditch defensive blocks as well as some good saves from the home keeper.
Nelson huffed and puffed a bit when, in a bid to stay on the competition, they went on the front foot towards the end of the game but Fulwood sat back deep playing on the counter-attack and comfortably saw out the four minutes of injury time to take their place in the semi final.
They will be joined by Lancaster City who, aided by goals from Charlie Bailey, Nathan Caine and Bobby Bjork, ran out 3-1 victors at Wythenshawe on Tuesday in their quarter-final.
Longridge Town will be hoping to finally play their multi-times postponed tie with Daisy Hill on Saturday, with Padiham awaiting the winners in the last eight.
The other outstanding quarter-final will be contested between Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe.