Report by Ethan Hoijord

Photo by John Naisbitt

Vauxhall Motors were narrowly defeated away at Kidsgrove Athletic in Northern Premier League Division One West action on Tuesday night.

The Motormen’s fortunes had changed in the division after a challenging start as they beat Bootle, on a day where Michael Burkey’s talents shone, last time out.

They faced a great challenge as table-topping opponents Kidsgrove, playing their games at The Autonet Insurance Stadium, had won six out of their six league fixtures.

Both sides started the night strongly however it was the hosts that got themselves in front on the tenth minute mark through ex Motorman Kieran Knapper who touched a lofted ball past Ste Rigby before slotting his effort into Sam Booth’s net.

Conor Harwood nearly drew the visitors level, halfway through the first half, as his flick on from Rigby’s free kick was saved excellently. Mick McGraa’s men looked to have improved after going a goal down.

There were great shouts for a penalty turned away by the referee as Vauxhall continued their search for an equaliser and Rigby was again called into action when he made an unbelievable block to deny a Grove attacker, at the other end, only for the assistants flag to be raised when he looked to his side.

Kidsgrove made a quick start to the second half and shortly after Booth made a good save to keep the deficit at one, the ball was placed into the back of his net by Nathan Morley.

Ben Holmes had given the ball away in the middle of the park whilst slipping, The Grove recipient played in Morley who made no mistake smashing home at the front post.

On the hour mark, Full back Ethan Gouldbourne came on to replace Bobbie Beaumont and his presence was quickly felt as he floated the ball into the path of Lewis Buckley who placed a great backwards header into the top corner.

However, the minutes would soon sizzle out bringing Vauxhall’s run of league victories to an end at three.

The Motormen’s attention will now turn towards a trip to 1874 Northwich on October 7th, they can take positives from their resilient performance against table-toppers Kidsgrove in the meantime.

Kidsgrove Athletic team, managed by Scott Dundas: Harrison, Lycett (25’),Harrison, Bergin, Jepson, Thorpe, Knapper, Cadeau, Bott, Woolley, Morley; SUBS: Lovatt (25’), Adu-Gyamfi, Porter.

Vauxhall Motors team, managed by Mick McGraa: ‪Sam Booth, Bobby Beaumont (60’), Stephen Rigby, Sam Hughes (50’), Tom Mitchell, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Michael Burkey (50’), Jordan Wynne, Conor Harwood, Ben Holmes, Joe Brandon. SUBS: Sean Moscrop, Ethan Gouldbourne (60’), Adam Hughes, Lewis Buckley (50’), Jordan Deer (50’).