Crookes win close encounter at the Top. 
Last saturday Crookes travelled to Southport when First met Second in the Blue Square North. It was a close encounter but Crookes just edged it in a thrilling 3-2 match which puts Crookes 10 points clear after 15 games. But it wasn't a smooth start for Crookes as Southport took the lead when Alessandra put them ahead from close range, and the score stayed that way until half time. I don't know what Darling said to his men at the break but they came out of there shell after half-time and were rewarded 3 minutes in when Ryan Taylor put Darling through with a beautifully placed passed and darling hammered it home to make it 1-1. The game was blown wide open after that goal and it was end to end but no-one could break the deadlock until Kirkup headed home after a deep cross by Darling from the left, and 3 minutes later he scored again when Darling's free kick was parried by Whiteside into the path of Kirkup who finished to make it 3-1. Ryan Sudgen got the consolation goal for Southport but it wasn't enough as the score ended 3-2. Crookes next game is against under performing Hinckley at Crookes Road Pitch on Wednesday, be sure to be there and join the revolution that is Crookes AFC.
