Match Report: Cammell Lairds 1907

After replacing manager Danny Holmes in the offseason, Chris Herbert had to rebuild the Motors squad , and he showed faith in the players that won his former club 1874 Northwich promotion from the Midland Premier League, starting 5 of his former players in history first starting 11. 

Goalkeeper Jack Atkinson, defender Adam Hughes, midfielders Haydn Cooper andSekouba Kamara, and forward Josh Oultram were given starting places after their arrival from 1874 Northwich, alongide returning fan-favourites Adam Rooney and Ben Dufton-Kelly (signed from Nantwich Town and Witton Albion respectively), new signing defender Joe Akpan (signed from Rochdale), club legend Kevin Ellison and Trialist A made up the rest of the days starters. 

Winger Sam Turner (recruited from newly promoted Hanley Town), young forward Luka Salvator (signed on after recent spells in the youth setups at Tranmere Rovers and Chester FC) plus a number of trialists made up the bench that would start the 2nd half. 

Rooney, who was part of the side that narrowly lost out to Hednesford Town in the 2024/25 playoff semi final, opened the scoring after just 2 minutes when he rose highest to head in from a fine Finley Heath free kick. 

Lairds best chance of the half came on 10 minutes, when a good save by keeper Atkinson saw the rebound sliced just wide of the visitors goal. 

Both sides had scrappy chances throughout the half, but neither keeper was made to work too hard. 

After multiple lineup changes during the break, the second half was much the same as the first, with both sides rarely creating any clear cut chances.

The second goal of the game came on 67 minutes, when a Motors Trialist was first to pounce on a keeper mistake, and slotted home to give the away side a 2-0 win in their first pre-season game of the year. 

"This was about blowing the cobwebs off. It was the first game, they worked hard, they've done everything we wanted them to do. We could have scored a few more as well, but Cammell Laird always give us a tough game. They're a decent outfit. We've got some tough games coming up because of the teams we're playing, and it's up to us to find out where we're weak and where we can improve all the time. That's what these games are for."

The Motors are next in action against South Liverpool FC on Tuesday 7th July at the Premier Jet Stadium 4G pitch, kick off 19:15. Prices are £3 for adults, £1 for concessions/U16s