Cammell Laird 1907 FC put their worrying league form behind them after losing 2-1 away at Barnton FC on 20 August, when Ben Wood netted a fine headed goal.
They showed plenty of effort in The Isuzu FA Vase first qualifying round fixture away at North West Counties First Division South leaders Wythenshawe Amateurs on Saturday 27 August.
Having beaten the Amateurs in both the Macron and First division cups last season, this was always going to be a tough fixture and turned out to be a difficult encounter as chances for both teams were few and far between.
However, after a decent spell of possession Lairds opened their account through Kieron Frost who capitalised on a defensive error to slot home at the back post after 34 minutes and retained their lead through to the break thanks to great work by captain Jake Hulley at the back.
The second half again saw both teams create but miss chances until the home team levelled matters in the 76th minute as slack marking allowed a free header to set up a frantic finish, but the scores remained level after 90 minutes and a penalty shoot-out ensued.
Kieran Hamm netted for Lairds and then keeper Nathan Davidson saved Amateurs first spot kick. Both Ben Kerr and Lee Rodgers rifled home their kicks, as did the next two home team players, but then Gabriel Kabwalo gave Lairds a 4-2 lead before Davidson saved the next penalty to give Lairds a 4-2 victory.
Lairds will now play Retford FC at home in the next round.
Sadly, Lairds did not repeat their cup exploits in their league game away at Stockport Georgians on 29 August and suffered a poor result in a lacklustre 0-3 defeat, which was really disappointing considering the hard-working attitude two days previously.
Lairds now have two home league games in succession to get back on the winning trail as they entertain Stafford Town on 3 September and then Cheadle Heath Nomads on 6 September.
North West Counties Football League
POS | First Division South | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wythenshawe Amateurs | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 22 | 7 | 15 | 18 |
| 2 | Brocton | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 16 |
| 3 | Ellesmere Rangers | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 16 |
| 4 | Stockport Town | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 5 | 15 | 15 |
| 5 | Cheadle Town | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 13 |
| 6 | Barnton | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 13 |
| 7 | Ashville | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 11 |
| 8 | Sandbach United | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 11 |
| 9 | New Mills | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 10 |
| 10 | Maine Road | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 10 |
| 11 | Eccleshall | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| 12 | Abbey Hulton United | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 2 | 8 |
| 13 | Stockport Georgians | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 8 |
| 14 | Alsager Town | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 8 |
| 15 | Abbey Hey | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 18 | -10 | 7 |
| 16 | Stafford Town | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 16 | -5 | 5 |
| 17 | Cammell Laird 1907 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 17 | -9 | 4 |
| 18 | Foley Meir | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 21 | -15 | 3 |
| 19 | Cheadle Heath Nomads | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 17 | -11 | 1 |
| 20 | Rocester | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 23 | -21 | 0 |
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