Late spot kick denies Barwell the victory

NORTHERN PREMIER

JOSH Hancock’s penalty stole a late point for Nantwich at Kirkby Road, writes Merv Nash.

The substitute fired home from 12 yards after Niall Rowe unluckilly handled inside the area as injury time beckoned.

Brady Hickey had put the hosts ahead before half time but Hancock’s equaliser takes Nantwich’s unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions.

Nantwich started brightly with Theo Stair on 13 minutes breaking into the penalty area but Barwell keeper Max Smith-Varnam was on hand to bravely block his low effort.

New signing Montel Gibson wasted an opportunity for Barwell after a superb through ball from Hickey had opened up the Nantwich defence.

Osebi Adadaki who was a dangerous threat all afternoon came close for Nantwich hitting the Barwell post from close in.

A hat-trick hero at Frickley last week, Hickey continued his excellent form in front of goal by breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute.

A loose ball in the middle of the area fell kindly for the mid-fielder to fire home.

With little time remaining and Barwell looking fairly solid Rowe slipped in the penalty area as a Nantwich shot cannoned against the defenders arm, leaving referee Simon Barrow with no option but to award a penalty.

A confident looking Hancock stepped up and found the bottom corner as Nantwich continue on their unbeaten run.