Borough held by high-flyers

BACUP BOROUGH ........... 1 GOLCAR UNITED ............ 1

WITH Borough needing the points to solidify their hopes of a play-off place they welcomed second place Golcar United to the Brian Boys Stadium who have only lost four games all season.

It was important for both teams as they look to compete for the play-off places.

There was an anticipation before the game that this would be a thrilling contest and the 275 supporters inside the ground were not disappointed with both teams sharing the points in a 1-1 draw with Borough having the most influential chances of the match.

Bacup started the game sharp and felt the atmosphere as they dominated the game but it was Golcar who opened the scoring after 12 minutes.

A ball cutting through the Borough defence landed perfectly to number 9 Ashley Flynn who with all his ability and composure finished well underneath Harry Turner’s body. That goal took Flynn’s tally to 30 goals in all competitions this season.

With Borough finding it hard to build momentum in the first half they seemed to have the better chances. Lewis Byrne was the main threat when going forward.

The ‘Wonderkid’ had a fantastic opportunity to get Borough level but was denied from close range by Golcar United’s Goalkeeper Harry Stead, after an in-swinging cross by Hancock. Byrne then was denied by the post moments later after an intelligent run in behind the Golcar defence.

Borough seemed to get a boost at half-time with the team being more composed on the ball and dominating possession in the final third. On 57 minutes Byrne equalised for Boro.

With the ball bouncing around the box, Byrne was sharp to control the ball on the half turn and squeeze the ball underneath the keeper to pull it back level for the home team.

After the equaliser, the game was open with both teams trying to push on for all three points.

Golcar’s leading goalscorer Ashley Flynn could have made it 31 goals for the season as he was played through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but the chance went begging with the striker putting the ball over the bar.

Borough continued to probe with some wonderful play down the lefthand side from Kyle Siddle. He delivered an inviting ball for Anthony Hall, who was left unmarked in the six yard box, but somehow managed to squander the chance after hitting the post with only two minutes left on the clock.

However, the tables looked like the tables were turning for Borough as they were forced to play out the game with 10 men after they were caught out on the counterattack by Golcar in which Gareth Wager brought down Oliver Willittsin the centre circle, which gave the referee no option as it was Wager’s second yellow card.

Matters got worse for Borough in the final seconds as Golcar were awarded a penalty. Defender Josh Walne slipped inside the area and handled the ball in desperation.

It did look like visitors were going home with all three points with substitute Michael Fish stepping up to take the penalty, but Harry Turner had other ideas.

Borough’s number one pulled off a fantastic save down to his right hand side and with a strong right hand was able to push the ball away from danger.

This result gave both teams a well-deserved point on an afternoon which epitomises everything that is good about the non league scene.

Borough now travel to AFC Darwen on Saturday followed by two home fixtures against Holker Old Boys and Daisy Hill.