MATCH OF THE DAY: Late goal direct from corner rescues point for Brickfield at Gresford

JD CYMRU NORTH – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

Gresford Athletic 1 (Ozlu 61)
Brickfield Rangers 1 (Watkin 90+1)

Report: Shaun Best

Brickfield Rangers left it late to claim a share of the festive spoils against struggling local rivals Gresford Athletic.

The Colliers had looked home and hosed after Haci Ozlu came back to haunt his former side like the ghost from Christmas past. Ozlu’s second half strike combined with a resolute rearguard display lasted out until the closing minutes when Joshua Watkin popped up with a late leveller.

Brickfield goalkeeper Robbie Williams got a feel for the ball early on when he kept out two set pieces.

Ozlu then theatrically went to ground looking for a penalty, but the referee was in no mood to hand out any late Christmas gifts.

Danny Jones and Andrew Vale both wasted golden chances for Bricky from dangerous positions, with Gresford ‘keeper Lewis Dutton not needed for either effort.

Danny Jones did much better with his next attempt. He chased down a ball by the corner flag, wrestling control from Gresford full back James Smith and forcing Dutton into a smart stop.

Ozlu then opened the scoring for the hosts on the hour mark. His free kick went through the Brick wall and zipped straight past Williams’ outstretched glove.

Would Gresford take that and see the game out? Ozlu had other ideas, as he controlled the ball in a dangerous position, but Williams prevented another smash hit from finding the net.

Late on, Gresford substitute Louis Holden picked out Jake Roberts with a perfect cross, but the strike cleared both the stand and neighbouring runway of Airbus’ Hollingsworth Stadium. The pilot who’d not long landed his plane breathed a sigh of relief in the cockpit.

Brickfield’s refusal to never give up was rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time. Watkin’s corner flew straight into the danger zone and went over everyone in the box. Dutton clawed the ball out of the goalmouth, but the ball clearly crossed the line and the referee gave the goal.

Gresford remain in the relegation places, while Brickfield sit comfortably in mid-table and with games in hand to their advantage.