By Ethan Hoijord

Photo by Marc Gibbs

Vauxhall Motors started their Northern Premier League season with a two-all draw at home to Witton Albion on Saturday afternoon.

The Motormen came into the first fixture on the back of a defeat in the FA Cup last weekend at West Didsbury, a performance manager Mick McGraa was evidently unhappy with.

All of the week’s hard work gave the hosts a head start as Conor Harwood edged his side in front with a header that crept slowly over the line.

Winger Michael Burkey sent a good cross in from the right and the resulting effort left visiting goalkeeper Oliver Martin with no chance, following a period of sustained pressure.

There were limited opportunities for both teams, Witton – who finished sixth last season – had their fair share of possession but found it difficult against a strong backline.

However, they believed that they had levelled the tie as a header was cleared off the line by Bobby Beaumont. The travelling supporters were incredibly surprised that the referee hadn’t given a goal.

At the other end, following a fantastic team move started by Ben Dufton Kelly’s pass into the box, Motors had the ball in the net through Conor Harwood as Jordan Deer squared it. Harwood looked up to see that the linesman’s flag was raised, however.

With a few minutes left of the first half, the visitors received a penalty as Beaumont seemed to have tripped Ryan Baxter.

Captain Kingsley Williams made no mistake, sending Booth the wrong way.

A strong team talk at half time ensured that it didn’t take too long for Vauxhall to regain their lead as Burkey linked up excellently with Lewis Buckley before slotting the ball past Martin.

Making himself big, Sam Booth made a fantastic save to keep the lead as a header flew at him from a corner.

A couple of shots from Witton flew over the bar from range before Summer signing George Nugent replaced Conor Harwood.

Nugent held the ball up well as he waited for support which came in the form of midfielder Ben Holmes; the effort struck the post with venom.

However, similar to the first half, Witton were once again awarded a penalty with a few minutes left on the clock. Booth got down low to collect a ball passed into the box but he caught the man as well.

The penalty was struck into the middle of the net by captain Williams.

Holmes had a chance to win the game for his side with seconds left on the clock but Martin came off his line ensuring his side left with a point.

Vauxhall are next in action on Tuesday night as they travel to Nantwich Town. All support for The Motormen is appreciated and we look forward to seeing you there!

VAUXHALL MOTORS.
Sam Booth, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Sean Smith, Sam Hughes, Adam Hughes, Bobby Beaumont, Michael Burkey 75’, Haydn Cooper, Michael Buckley, Jordan Deer 65’, Conor Harwood 83’
SUBS: George Nugent 83’, Ste Rigby, Joe Brandon 75’, Bobbie McDonnell, Ben Holmes 65’.

WITTON ALBION.
Oliver Martin, Michael Koral, Lee Jackson, Ben Harrison, Oliver Hitchcox, Oliver Roberts, Elliot Rokka, Ryan Baxter, Tom Pope, Cameron Fogerty Kingsley Williams
SUBS: 12 Aaron Singh Grewal, 14 Joe Mwasile, 15 Daniel Yates, 16 Harry Cain, 17/13 Conor Hughes.

Referee Mark Hanson.
Assistant Nigel Freelove and Ian McGuinness.