Cammell Laird 1907 FC’s opening fixture at home versus Stafford Town in the North West Counties First Division South did not provide the start to the season that was required.
With a newly gathered squad, expectations were high, but a stubborn opposition thwarted Lairds at every opportunity and took the points due to a goal in the 31st minute by Matthew Gardner, in a first-half evenly contested.
The second half saw Lairds firmly on the offensive and dominating much of the play as Ryan Smith and Kieran Hamm strove to open up the away team, but chances were few are far between and those created were wasted.
The best efforts came from striker Jay Harvey with one being tipped over the bar by the visiting keeper, but others being off target.
However, a double save by home keeper Ciaran O’Loughlin kept the visitors at bay in the latter stages of the game as Lairds pushed forward in their attempts to level matters.
Despite plenty of effort and hard work, Lairds succumbed to an opening day defeat. The team will be hoping for better fortune away at Maine Road FC on Monday with a 7.45pm kick off and are then away again next Saturday versus Alsager Town with a 3pm kick off.
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