Cammell Laird 1907 FC travelled to Ellesmere Rangers for their final fixture of the season, with yet another depleted squad that included three goalkeepers.
However, a spirited and hard work opening to the game saw Lairds in the ascendency as they opened up a two goal lead within 25 minutes thanks to two great individual goals.
The first came from Samuel Ilesanmi in the 15th minute as he shrugged off a late challenge to fire home a great goal. Ten minutes later Kieron Frost produced an excellent run and beat three defenders before placing a neat shot into the far corner for an excellent finish.
Penalty appeals were then turned down when Ilesanmi was brought down and Kieran Hamm was unlucky with an overhead kick that produced a good save from the home keeper.
Sadly, Rangers fought back and they scored two goals in five minutes through Jack Sweeney (30th) and Steven Hole (35th) to level the scores before the break.
Despite hard work from Ryan Allen, Charlie Clewlow, and Dean Nunn, plus some good saves by keeper Dave Potter, Lairds succumbed to growing pressure that resulted in goals Callum Graybrook on 60 minutes to give Rangers the lead and then Jordan Davies completed the scoring in the 65th minute to give them the points.
Lairds put plenty of effort into this fixture, but with so many players not attending, fitness took its toll. But give the players credit for shaking the hands of the few followers and thanking them for their support throughout a very difficult and disappointing season, with captain Kieran Hamm leading the applause from the players.
This was the final fixture on behalf of manager Stuart Kier who has worked hard and dealt with many problems throughout the season and he is thanked for all his efforts. However, his resignation will now open the door of opportunity for those willing to take on the hard task of rejuvenating the Lairds team.
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