Calderstones 2 Rimington 1

EAST LANCASHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

TWO sendings off, three booked and the miss of the season -- just another one of your typical derby clashes!

The history between the two clubs goes back a long way and both used to play in the now defunct Ribble Valley League.

But this has to be one of the most explosive matches they've been involved in.

Calderstones keeper Simon Cannon and Rimington striker Trevor Watkins were sent off after an ugly clash and Mark Cannon, Lee Casey and Wes Clarkson were all booked as the match threatened to boil over.

Then of course there was Lee Bonnick's incredible miss when he lifted the ball over the bar from just two yards out!

And to add an extra bit of spice, Rimington player/ manager Terry Braithwaite used to play for Calderstones.

Braithwaite's side started brightly and took the lead within 10 minutes when Lee Burgess crossed and Watkins fired the ball home at the second attempt.

But is was Calderstones who created the better chances and should have gone in level.

Graham Kershaw produce two great saves to deny Bonnick and Casey while both strikers spurned good opportunities.

Mark Cannon was the first to go into the referee's book when the Calderstones midfielder committed one foul too many soon after the restart.

Apart from that, the playmaker had a great game and was involved in all Calderstones build-up play.

Substitute Travis Evans was another to play an instrumental part in the game.

His first touch produced a fine save out of Kershaw then he beat the keeper with his second only for his goal to be harshly ruled out for offside.

However, the big striker made his mark when he was fouled by Marc Holmes and Stuart Hopkinson scored from the spot.

The match was now being played at a frantic pace and Clarkson and Casey were booked for a touchline tangle which also involved the Rimington linesman! Minutes later, Cannon reacted angrily to a nasty challenge by Watkins and both players were sent off.

But it just added to the excitement and Rimington nearly regained the lead when Shaun McCullough went around the keeper but his shot was cleared off the line by Bonnick.

With just a few minutes remaining, Calderstone took an unsuspected but thoroughly deserved lead when Cannon found Trevor Holden whose crossed was knocked in by Evans. Calderstones survived a late onslaught to record a famous win.