CHEADLE TOWN  1,  VAUXHALL MOTORS  1.

Vauxhall were left frustrated in their efforts to record a second successive away victory in the Hallmark Security League Division One South, when the hosts plundered a late equalizer to deny them another three points.

Both sides had openings in a relatively uneventful first half, in which Motors lost both Joe Brandon and Hayden Cooper through injury.  Substitute Kieran Hamm had the best opening of this period but failed to make adequate contact with Ben Greenop’s cross from the left.

Motormen took the lead on 48 minutes when Ben Holmes struck a superb free kick from 24 yards into the bottom left corner after Danny Cross had been fouled during a strong run towards the box.

Cheadle hit back with a couple of decent strikes on goal, one effort deflecting on to the bar while debutant keeper Owen Kirkham pulled off one point blank save but Motors always looked the more likely side with Ben Greenop, Kieran Hamm and Greg Drummond all going close before the visitors were awarded a penalty on 70 minutes for a pushing offence at a corner.  Unfortunately Holmes blasted the spot kick over the bar and if that had been converted, then surely victory was in sight.

With just three minutes remaining of normal time, Holmes then managed to wriggle his way through the home defence only to have his shot saved by the home keeper and less than a minute later Cheadle levelled up the scores when Reece Webb struck a shot that went in off the near post to thwart Motors hopes of another away success.

Motors manager Mick McGraa was fairly philosophical about the outcome commenting, “if you don’t take your chances then this is what happens – but we remain unbeaten”.

Vauxhall: Kirkham, Mason, Schumacker, Scarisbrick, Mitchell, Quinn, Cross, Cooper (Drummond), Greenop (Maldon), Brandon (Hamm), Holmes.  Sub not used: Hunt.