Latchford turn the form-book upside down

A 75th minute drop goal from Matty Ellis made the difference as Latchford turned the form book upside down to defeat table toppers Wigan St Cuthberts 21-20
Albon started strongly, and opened the scoring in the third minute. Chris Griffiths’ kick was charged down, and the returning Jamie Birchall showed great football skills to hack the ball forward and win the race to the touchdown.
An error from the restart gave the visitors field position, and they took full advantage of this to register their opening try of the afternoon to level the scores.
Albion regained the lead through Birchall’s second score, this time from a great pass by the impressive Sam Dobson, however a further error allowed Cuthberts the chance to score and level the game again.
A converted try by the visitors in the closing stages of the half, saw them take the lead for the only time in the game, and at half time the game was finely poised at Latchford 8, Wigan St Cuthberts 14
As with the first half, the hosts started brightly and, following some valuable yards made from the forwards, the ball was quickly moved along the line where wing Stu Simm showed great strength to hold off two defenders to cross in the corner.
Shortly after a Sam Dobson penalty brought the scores level, and the next score was to prove crucial.
Fortunately this came the way of Latchford and it was a fine solo try by Chris Griffiths, who spotted a napping Cuthberts’ defence out wide,
He out-paced the visitors’ defence to race 60 yards and cross near the posts, Dobson adding the extras.
With Albion in the ascendency, a great piece of skill by Matty Ellis saw him register a drop goal, and give the hosts a two score advantage going into the close stages of the game.
A converted try on 78 minutes by Cuthberts reduced the deficit to a solitary point, however Latchford repelled a final attack by the visitors to hold on for a well deserved victory.
Coach Martyn Ellis was delighted with the result and said: “ Over the last three weeks of training, I have changed things round slightly and challenged the players to buy into what we are putting in place. I felt that I got the response  today with a performance that shows what we are capable of when we all work together”
It was a good afternoon for Albion with the under 18’s playing in a double header prior to the open age side, where they registered a great 18 – 16 victory over Thatto Heath Crusaders.
This Saturday Latchford have another home fixture against Folly Lane, kick off 2.30pm
Pictured: Latchford man of the match Sam Dobson