Clark’s first goal for Bucks is winner - and is then sent off

CONNOR O’NEILL

JAMIE Clark endured a night to remember for all the right and wrong reasons.

The Bucks full-back had just scored his first goal for the club and in doing so completed what at one point looked an unlikely comeback.

But in the immediate aftermath, Clark was shown a second yellow card for over-celebrating his effort.

The Bucks were tied with Eccleshall in the Macron Cup when the ball fell to Clark 25-yards from goal.

Running on to it perfectly, the former Burscough man let fly with a left-footed effort that flew into the far corner of the Dodge Kop net, sparking wild scenes behind the goal.

But in truth, the Bucks had huffed and puffed for large parts of this encounter, with Joe Doran’s side struggling to find the same rhythm they have in recent weeks.

Despite a bright start, the visitors began to get on top with Bucks keeper Jack McGovern making two stunning saves to keep the tie goalless.

And then from nowhere, Doran’s side opened the scoring when Ste Jones’ shot squirmed through the legs of Matthew Johnson.

But to their credit, the division one south side rallied to the set-back and drew level nine minutes later when

Louis Downs finished Liam Tomlin’s cross at the back post.

Before two minutes into added time, Eccelshill turned the game on its head when Ryan Baxter headed home Thomas Wakefield’s cross.

The Bucks dominated possession in the second half, but for the first 20 minutes they found clear cut chances hard to come by, with John McGrath going closest to an equaliser.

But on 72 minutes, Doran’s side would draw level when Daniel Brady headed home McGrath’s free-kick.

Then with three minutes of normal time remaining, Clark’s big movement arrived.

And boy did he deliver when it mattered most.