MATCH OF THE DAY: Broughton Reserves v FC Queen’s Park Reserves

NEWFA Reserve Division 2

Broughton United Reserves 1 (Paul Lovell 90+8)

FC Queen’s Park Reserves 1 (Sean Humphreys pen 90+5)

REPORT: Shaun Best

Late drama at North Street produced two goals and a share of the spoils between Broughton United and FC Queens Park’s reserve sides.

A Sean Humphreys penalty five minutes into stoppage time looked to have secured the points for the visitors, but Paul Lovell levelled things up for Broughton with near enough the last kick of the game.

For much of the contest, a combination of the windy conditions and both teams leaving their shooting boots at home left the outcome heading towards a stalemate.

Just a point separated the two teams at the Division 2 summit coming into today’s meeting.

In the game’s first meaningful chance, Lovell put his body in the way to block Michael Parry’s effort. The Broughton man then forced visiting shot stopper Adam Roberts to turn an effort round the post.

At the other end, Humphreys created space, but sat back too much and sent his effort into the trees. Parry then crossed for Jack Hanley to send his free header into the same tree.

Hanley cleverly disguised an attempted cross into a shot, but Broughton keeper Liam Grafton kept his eye on the flight of the ball and safely caught it. Parry spun clear of his marker in the box, but sent a third team effort into the branches.

The second half was briefly halted for an intruder on the pitch. This one was of the four-legged kind, with the canine demonstrating fancy footwork as it slalomed through the spectators on the sideline. The pooch settled underneath the Broughton photographer’s stool for a few minutes before scampering away for good.

Back on the pitch, Ernest Isay teed himself up nicely in the box and tested Roberts, but the keeper took flight and tipped the effort wide. Roberts then spilt a Lovell effort from distance, but managed to smother the ball before Evan Davies could pounce on the rebound.

Queen’s Park substitute Bradley Sandford had a quick afternoon’s work. He quickly picked up two needless yellow cards for dissent, forcing his side to reorganise.

Capitalising on their numerical advantage, Broughton’s Ieuan Rowe forced a fantastic save out of Roberts from a free kick. The resulting corner saw the same player ghost into the box and send a free header wide.

Roberts was in the wars late on and required treatment for a facial injury after a fair tussle for the ball with Broughton substitute Jack Foster. He was OK to continue and soon witnessed the game’s first plot twist.

A hopeful cross into a sea of Broughton defenders struck an armpit and the referee pointed to the spot. The league’s top scorer Humphreys coolly netted his 15th of the season, sending his spot kick over Grafton, who at least guessed the right way.

To their credit, Broughton kept going. Lovell lofted a hopeful effort over the bar, but when a poor clearance left Roberts exposed, Lovell saw the space and directed his next shot into the net.

Cue pandemonium from the Broughton staff on the touchline. The final whistle quickly followed and those that had stayed until the end were reminded that it’s always game on and never game over!

Attendance 18 plus one pooch.