WYTHENSHAWE AMATEURS  1 v 1 VAUXHALL MOTORS

This top-of-the-table clash in the Hallmark Security League ended in a frustrating draw for the Motormen, having taken an early lead and generally having the better of the overall play against their hosts, the league’s top side following their Boxing Day result.

Motors began in a determined fashion, pegging the Ammies back from the start and it took them just 8 minutes to open the scoring, having already gone close twice.  It was a case of third time lucky, as Dave Webb set up Haydn Cooper, who struck a low right footed drive beyond the reach of home keeper Martin Blain and into the corner of the net.

The hosts started to assert themselves midway through the first half, having two efforts pawed away by Kristoper Leigh in the Motors goal.  Shortly after Ben Holmes was only inches away from doubling Motors lead as the ball screwed past the post with the keeper stranded.  That was quickly followed by free kick specialist Webb striking a set piece just wide of the far post from 22 yards.

The Ammies drew level four minutes from the interval when the referee awarded them a dubious penalty which Danny Egan tucked away in some style, sending Leigh the wrong way from 12 yards. This was cruel on the visitors, who clearly had the better of the opening 45 minutes.

On the resumption, there was a nine minute hold up, after a reckless tackle right in front of the dugouts which caused a melee.  It took the referee all that time to unravel who did what and show four yellow cards at the end of it!  Chances became few and far between and it was only in added time, that Motors created two great chances to seize all three points.

First substitute Kieran Hamm headed over unchallenged when it seemed easier to hit the target from Joe Brandon’s excellent left wing cross.  And then Tom Mitchell was denied the winner when his shot was brilliant palmed away by Blain.  Motors will argue they deserved to win this battle but another drawn game keeps them tucked in behind the top clubs with two nice-looking home games to come in the New Year.

Vauxhall:  Leigh, Scarisbrick, Drummond, Carlin, Mitchell, Heath, Webb, Cooper (Hamm 80), Noon (Kiwanda 77), Brandon, Holmes.  Sub not used:  Costello.