MDTFC Hit The Post In The Last Minute In The 1-1 Draw v Kidsgrove Athletic

Friday night football at MDTFC saw a healthy crowd of 221 for our game versus local rivals Kidsgrove Athletic.

Manager Martyn Davies was able to field a strong squad and bench; however due to the unavailability of Goalkeeper Ash Rawlins the surprise selection was perhaps of centre forward (sometimes full back) Matt Ballard donning the gloves in goal - Matt was not to disappoint.

We started the game brightly but it was Kidsgrove who went close to opening the score on 10 minutes - we responded on 13 minutes when the Kidsgrove keeper produced a first class save to keep out a well directed Jordan Davies header from a well taken free kick by Lewis Macari.

There followed a series of corners for MDTFC, which on 15 minutes saw a powerful header from Simon Gregory rebound off the bar.

The rest of the first half was very much 'even stevens' - which saw Matt Ballard demonstrating his goalkeeping skills with aplomb.

Half Time: 0-0

The second half saw Kidsgrove start to apply the pressure and threatening to take control of the game.

On 69 minutes we were awarded a free kick following a foul on Glynn Coney - Glynn elected to take the free kick himself and hit a beaut of a cross into the penalty area which was headed 'home' by Dan Beddows.

MDTFC 1 - Kidsgrove 0 (69 minutes)

It was end to end football when on 80 minutes Kidsgrove equalised with a goal from Will Saxon - the spin on the ball just evaded the grasp of Matt Ballard.

MDTFC 1 - Kidsgrove 1 (80 minutes)

During the second half Jordan Davies was replaced by Harvey Howell and the injured Glynn Coney (who had suffered a clattering) was replaced by Ryan McLean.

Drama was to follow in the final minute of the game when a powerful shot from Dan Beddows thundered against the Kidsgrove post - oh so nearly 3 points.

Overall the final score of 1-1 was probably a fair result in a combative contest.

MDTFC 1 - Kidsgrove 1

Men Of The Match - without exception - all of the MDTFC & Management who gave it their all and never stopped competing; however a special mention must go to the man with the gloves Matt Ballard for his outstanding contribution.

Our position in the League Table was somewhat consolidated by the fact that all of the bottom four clubs (Clitheroe, Glossop North End, Kendal & Skelmersdale) lost their respective games.

Our current League Standing is as follows:

16th - Played 28 - 30 Points

MDTFC Team

1. Matt Ballard
2. Lewis Macari
3. Andy Hartlebury
4. Josh Bradburn
5. Simon Gregory
6. Desean Martin
7. Ethan Stanton
8. Dan Beddows
9. James Jennings
10. Glynn Coney (Ryan McLean)
11. Jordan Davies (Harvey Howell)

Unused Subs
Harri Lovett
Charles Knowles
Lyndon Campbell