Brilliant Butterworth is Castletown’s inspiration
Last updated 11:42, Wednesday, 22 October 2008
CASTLETOWN Blues accurately passed their way to a comfortable victory over a spirited Langwathby side.
Wet, windy conditions would have drowned most games into postponement, but this all-Eden affair went ahead.
From the early stages of the game, it was clear that the striking partnership of Alex Johnson and Andrew Butterworth was going to cause problems for Langwathby.
The first clear-cut chance came when Dean Martin, Castletown's right-sided midfielder, found space down the right and delivered a cross, where Johnson's header was well saved by Langwathby's keeper Liam Richardson.
Richardson then sprawled himself across the face of his goal to save the re-bounding shot, to pull off a fantastic double-save.
Castletown continued to pour the pressure on Langwathby and they got their breakthrough when Zak Sinkinson scored from the penalty spot.
The following attack saw Castletown double their lead. A free-kick punted into Langwathby's box dropped to Alex Johnson, who was allowed time to turn and smash beyond Richardson.
Langwathby were given a boost in confidence through Stuart Westgarth's skill and composure and his fine pass found Glen Lattimer, who was unfortunate to see his 20-yard effort fire inches wide. However, his fortune was to quickly change.
After patient build-up play in Langwathby's midfield, Lattimer shot again and this time his effort found the back of the net, pleasing Langwathby managers Tim Jackson and George Armstrong.
The Blues' defence stood firm after conceding, with signs of positive attacking play from Joe McKinley and Dean Bradley.
And it was only until the second-half when Castletown took control of the game, through a wonder goal from young Daniel Thompson.
Going past three opposing players, while shrugging off a tackle, Thompson smashed a looping 25-yarder well beyond Richardson.
Thoughts of a Langwathby comeback were instantly put aside, as Dean Martin got the faintest of touches to tap the ball over the line, after a mix-up between keeper Richardson and Shane Slessor.
Andrew Butterworth further showed why he was my man-of-the-match, when he acrobatically performed an over-head kick, only for Richardson to react well and tip it wide.
Castletown's passing during the game was a joy to watch. Playmaker Liam Pickering was the heartbeat to their display, constantly on the move and rarely squandering possession.
With minutes to go Castletown got their fifith goal when substitute Alex Saunders stroked the ball into a gaping net, after Richardson had shown remarkable bravery, lunging at Butterworth's feet to block his shot.
Castletown's Butterworth said after the game: “We should finish in the top half and with my personal aim of 20 goals we should achieve that position.”
Next week's fixtures have been curtailed due to the half-term holidays.
Under 12: Car Clinic Penrith Ltd) – Castletown Whites v Penrith AFC A. Under 14: AST Signs Penrith – Keswick v Castletown Blues.
