Honours equal at the Rec

There was not much to choose between the two sides when Nostell travelled to Pickering on Saturday.

But while the game may have ended all-square, it was certainly not without incident.

There were two sendings off and two goals to keep the 126 supporters enthralled.

Plus a further goal disallowed when the ball was bustled over the line by Franny Johnson from Craig Stephen’s corner.

That apart, a point apiece was a probably a fair result under the circumstances.

The playing surface was heavy after torrential rain the previous day which made passing difficult through midfield.

And some inexplicable refereeing decisions caused a great deal of animosity both on and off the pitch.

That said, Barry Rankin’s dismissal for reacting to a dangerous tackle by Pickering skipper Joe Connor was understandable but not excusable.

However, on any other day, a yellow card would have sufficed.

But after showing a straight red to Connor, the referee consulted with his assistant who deemed that Rankin should also be given his marching orders.

With both sides down to ten men, there was a feeling that the entertainment value would suffer.

But just the opposite was the case.

The game, at times, was played at a frantic pace, with long diagonal balls pumped upfield by Nostell.

And shorter, passing tactics adopted by the home side.

Miners’ plan was first to pay dividends.

Early in the second half, Stephen’s corner, which was sent deep into the box, was parried by Pikes’ stopper Kevin Martin.

But only to the feet of Nostell skipper Dave Watts.

The ball, at first, appeared to get stuck under his feet.

But brushing away attempts by the Pickering defenders to get the ball clear, he used his strength to plant it in the back of the net from close range.

It wasn’t long before the home side equalised though, through former York City man, Luke Ibbetson.

And with 20 minutes or so remaining, that’s how it stayed.

Miners should have snatched victory in the dying minutes when substitute Danny Highley sent a pin-point cross into the path of Scott Hartley at the far post.

But the Nostell defender couldn’t quite direct it to the right side of the upright.

However, on reflection, boss Alan Colquhoun must be satisfied with a draw against one of the league’s stronger sides.

And Miners are to be praised for their New Year recovery in the NCEL after the two disappointing defeats against Arnold and Maltby over Christmas.