PURPS SEE BLUE AFTER SPOT-KICK OUTCOMES
LEEK TOWN 1 CITY OF L’POOL 0
THIS was a meeting of the two current on-form teams in the Northern Premier League, resulting in a narrow victory for hosts Leek Town.
City of Liverpool had won their past four games to close in on a place in the play-offs, while Leek had won their past seven matches to stand proud at the top of the table.
And with both sides having enjoyed thumping 5-0 wins on New Year’s Day, it promised to be a mouthwatering prospect of great action for the watching 507 spectators.
In the event, the game was a tight closely-fought contest between two very strong and evenly matched sides.
Chances were at a premium, particularly in the first half, and it turned out to be a tale of two penalties that eventually decided the result.
Leek striker Rob Stevenson made no mistake in the 31st minute after initially winning a spot-kick, while Max Allen blazed his kick over the crossbar for the visitors just before the whistle went for half-time.
Leek failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities to extend their lead after the break, with Stevenson having a fine effort cleared off the goal line and Ndenes’ header clipping the crossbar.
As a result they were forced to resolutely defend their slender advantage as City of Liverpool pressed forward, throwing everything they possibly could at the home side to force an equaliser in the last quarter of the game.
However, the woodwork came to Leek’s rescue as Elliot Morris’s powerful drive was deflected onto the bar late on. The home side then did just about enough to hang on to their lead and achieve a fourth consecutive clean sheet to consolidate top spot.
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