Football Match A&B Engineering v Laing O'Rourke

Wed 4th Jun 2008

A&B Engineering vs. Laing O'Rourke

Fri 30^th May 2008

Footballers past and present pulled on their football boots at Litherland Sports Park to represent their respective companies in an eleven a-side challenge match between A&B Engineering and Laing O'Rourke.

Both teams arrived with a squad of sixteen players and following extensive warm ups the game commenced on the excellent playing surface.

In a fast and frantic start Ian Buxton crossed from the left and James Gaskill scored to give the lead to A&B. The next thirty minutes were keenly fought with both teams defending well and competing hard in midfield. Ten minutes before half time David Maloney took his opportunity from ten yards to make it 2 - 0 at half time.

The second half commenced with both teams making substitutions and the competitive nature of the game continued. On the hour mark Steve Johnston raced clear to score a crucial third goal. Further goals from Michael Richardson and Johnston with his second put A&B 5 - 0 up. However Laing O'Rourke still sensed that a goal would get them back into the game. A free kick from Adrian Gilliard reduced the deficit with twenty minutes remaining and when a second goal followed, Laing's were pushing hard for a remarkable comeback. Despite applying pressure until the ninetieth minute A&B held out in defence and finished with a 5 - 2 victory.

The excellent referee Steve Stewart and his assistants all agreed that the man of the match be awarded to John Gaskill for his performance at centre back for A&B.

The game was played in fantastic spirit, competitive but fair, and all players joined together afterwards for a few pints.