By Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall Motors were held to a draw at The VanEupen Arena by Charnock Richard after a poor first half performance.
Simon Thelwell found the equaliser on the hour mark and Michael Burkey provided a threat late into the game but The promotion chasing Motormen were left frustrated.
The visitors started the game looking to attack through crosses sent in from the left hand side but none posed any threat to Ciaran O’Loughlin in the Motors net.
They would get closest to scoring first though when Ross O’Farrell’s header glanced over the crossbar from a perfectly placed free kick.
That opener would come when Louis Holt wheeled away from his marker in the box, firing his headed effort into the net, midway through the half.
Mick McGraa’s men were unable to show their full attacking capabilities as Sean Moscrop’s tame effort was caught by Connor Eastham comfortably, moments after Conor Harwood’s shot nestled in the trees.
Lewis Buckley used his strength to get past two men and into the heart of the box but his initial shot was saved by the keeper before his acrobatic rebound whistled past the post, at the start of the second half.
It was a much improved performance, after a strong word at the break, and defender Simon Thelwell found the equaliser when he volleyed his effort into the roof of the net from a corner.
Substitute Winger Burkey caused a threat with his pace and trickery on the left as he sent in a good ball to Jordan Deer but the midfielders effort failed to threaten Eastham in the latter stages.
Vauxhall Motors are back in action next Saturday afternoon when they travel to Congleton in NWCFL Premier action.
TEAMS:
Vauxhall Motors, managed by Mick McGraa: Ciaran O’Loughlin, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Ethan Gouldbourne, Simon Thelwell (81′), Tom Mitchell, Sean Moscrop, Jordan Deer, Ben Holmes, Lewis Buckley, Conor Harwood, Bobbie McDonnell (61′). SUBS: Michael Burkey (61′), Jamie Eaton, James McCulloch, Marcus James (81′), Jake Hulley.
Charnock Richard, managed by Ryan Donnellan: Connor Eastham, Jacob Riding (81′), Marcus Haydock, Owen Green, Ross O’Farrell, Lewis Haydock, Spencer Bibby, Nathan Fairhurst, Carl Grimshaw, Louis Holt, Nathan Nickeas (61′). SUBS: Daniel Regan (61′), William Riding (81′), Simon Grand, Jack Bennett.