Report

Farndale to the rescue as Easington leave it late
Central Midlands League Premier Division
Easington United 1 – 1 Kiveton Park

PAUL Farndale rescued matters with a fine individual goal just four minutes from time as Easington United missed the chance to close the gap on the leading pack.
The Eastenders skipper cut into the eighteen yard box and fired a right foot shot low inside the near post to earn his side a deserved share of the soils.
The same player then almost repeated the feat in the final minute but this time goalkeeper Parker was equal to the shot and beat it away to safety.
Prior to kick-off both teams and supporters observed a minute’s silence to mark Remembrance weekend, with 83-year-old referee’s asst Harry Hardy perhaps feeling the moment more than most!
United’s lined up included new signing Paul Morrill, following the 23-year-old’s midweek switch from Hall Road Rangers. Owen Mountain came in at right back for the delayed Luke Jeffery and Brett Fisk made his full CMFL debut at centre half as part of a back four which, along with goalkeeper Charlie Holden, included no player over 20. With Mark Thompson, Jim Hollingsworth and the aforementioned Jeffery on the bench there were nine players under 21 in the fourteen-man-squad.
On a fine autumnal afternoon, Sheffield side Kiveton belied their league placing to play some fine football. And they posed a constant threat from set-pieces.
Chief taker Dave Gribben struck the bar with one on 29mins before finding the head of Mathew Gilbert with another and from his knockdown Sam Walker should have found the target.
At the other end Farndale fired wide from 25 yards before Morrill almost capped a fine debut with a goal but his shot was deflected wide.
Easington started the second period better. Hutchinson headed wide from a corner, Farndale shot similarly off-target and Thurkettle couldn’t quite keep his volley down after turning his man well from Havercroft’s throw-in.
Thompson replaced Purse on 70mins and nearly marked his arrival in style when volleying just over.
Six minutes later Kiveton skipper Jamie Webster capped a flowing move with an emphatic finish.
Thankfully the locals refused to accept defeat and after sub Hollingsworth had seen his scuffed shot saved, Farndale stepped up to salvage a deserved point.
Easington: C Holden, O Mountain, A Barnett, C Havercroft, M Hutchinson, B Fisk, P Morrill, P Farndale, J Purse (M Thompson, 70), G Thurkettle, K Fitzgerald (J Hollingsworth, 77) (Sub not used: L Jeffery)
Kiveton: J Parker, C Nelson, M Preece, J Webster, M Gilbert, P Warrington, D Gribben (D Nicholls, 75), M Buxton, A Wellwood, S Walker, J Cocks (sub not used: T Brazier)
Referee: Mr G Taylor (Mansfield)
Att: 51