Ardal North East report: Chirk so close to ending long run without win

ARDAL NORTH EAST – DECEMBER 28

Brickfield Rangers 3 (Ozlu 51 & 62, Roberts 78)
Chirk AAA 3 (N Freeman 31, T Freeman 42 & 68)

Bottom side Chirk so nearly ended a run of 10 matches without a win, but had to settle for a highly commendable draw away to one of the title favourites.

Travelling to Clywedog Park on the back of five straight losses, the Colliers led 2-0 at half time and 3-2 in the second period, but Gareth Wilson’s men battled back for a point.

Chirk raced into a two-goal interval lead courtesy of brothers Tom Freeman and Niall Freeman. Both teams had numerous chances to score but it was the visitors with the advantage at the break.

Former Holywell Town and Gresford Athletic striker Haci Ozlu pulled one back for the home side on 51 minutes and then fired them level after 62

It wasn’t 2-2 for long as Tom Freeman scored his second and Chirk’s third when he reacted first after missing a spot kick and squeezed in the rebound at the near post on 68 minutes.

This was Freeman’s 11th league goal in 13 outings – an outstanding record for a player in a team at the wrong end of the table.

Bricky came back again on 76 minutes and following a corner which evaded Chirk’s defence, Callum Roberts headed in at the far post to make it 3-3.

In a frenzied finish to the game Chirk’s Niall Freeman was shown red for an alleged high tackle and Brandon Edwards saw his fifth yellow of the season.

Both teams had chances to win the game but it ended all square and brought an end to an entertaining encounter.

Man of the match was Chirk’s Cameron Roberts who was outstanding in an unaccustomed centre back role