Warrington Town 1-1 Lancaster City

Matty Poole’s dramatic late equaliser saw the Dolly Blues pick up a hard-earned point at Cantilever Park.
Jacob Davis hooks the ball clear against Warrington Town. Picture: John HopkinsJacob Davis hooks the ball clear against Warrington Town. Picture: John Hopkins
Jacob Davis hooks the ball clear against Warrington Town. Picture: John Hopkins

As injuries continued to hamper Darren Peacock’s side, wingers Joe Whittington and Reece Pearce were the latest casualties to miss out on Tuesday night.

Danny Carlton started his first game for City up front, whilst Billy Akrigg filled in on the flanks for a patched up Lancaster side that struggled against a physical Warrington outfit in the first half.

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Mike Hale was the hero of the opening 45 minutes, producing a string of fine saves to keep City in it, but he was powerless to stop the opening goal on 33 minutes.

Gary Hunter battles for the ball. Picture: John HopkinsGary Hunter battles for the ball. Picture: John Hopkins
Gary Hunter battles for the ball. Picture: John Hopkins

Scott Metcalfe dispossessed Jacob Davis inside the City half and advanced into the box and hit a powerful shot across Hale that struck the foot of the right-hand post.

The rebound fell kindly to Ciaran Kilheeney to calmly place the ball into at empty net to send the hosts into the break one to the good.

The second half was more a half of attrition, with City upping their game and matching the physical battles whilst struggling to create clear-cut chances.

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Aaron Taylor’s glancing header was tipped agonisingly wide of the post in the best chance of the half as it looked like it wasn’t to be the Dolly Blues’ day.

Shaquille Antoine-Clarke in action for Lancaster City at Warrington.  Picture: John HopkinsShaquille Antoine-Clarke in action for Lancaster City at Warrington.  Picture: John Hopkins
Shaquille Antoine-Clarke in action for Lancaster City at Warrington. Picture: John Hopkins

To the visitors’ immense credit they never looked down and out up to the last minute, and were rewarded for their determination with the equalising goal in added time.

Garry Hunter’s free-kick from the left byline was met by Poole with a looping header over keeper Karl Wills into the net sparking wild celebrations amongst the Dollies’ ranks.

In contrast to Saturday’s draw at Droylsden, Tuesday night’s fightback felt like a victory and will have given City a much-needed boost ahead of Saturday’s all important FA Cup tie at Padiham.

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Lancaster City: Hale 9, Antoine-Clarke 8, Davis 7, Marshall 7, Freeland 7, Winder 8, Hunter 8, Clark 8 (Gregory 75), Akrigg 8, Taylor 7, Carlton 7 (Poole 65). Subs not used: Donlon, Street, Hudson

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