Tuesday 22nd August 2006 – Polymac Services Midland Football Alliance

Rocester 1 Market Drayton Town 1

Jekyll and Hyde Rocester had to rely on a late goalkeeping error to snatch a point from their clash with Market Drayton last night, but they ought to have had the game wrapped up during an opening twenty-minute spell in which they squandered half a dozen good chances.

The Romans were quickly into their stride. Adam Baum was twice off target early on before he set up Richard Owen for a crack at goal, however the veteran midfielder also missed the target with a powerful drive.

That was soon followed by a frantic scramble inside the area when both Steve Caswell and Baum again had clear chances to score but failed to do so.

Rocester were further frustrated when Owen latched on to a headed clearance in the 18th minute and struck a superb volley from 20 yards out, forcing a flying save from goalkeeper Andrew Pryce.

Market Drayton then stunned Rocester by snatching the lead with their first notable foray into home territory.

Gary Anslow’s long free kick earned a corner, Richard Croker took it quickly and short to Anslow and his low cross was touched on by Delwyn Humphries to the far post where Paul Bowyer easily netted.

It was tough on Rocester, but straight away Matt Moran, signed before the game from Gresley Rovers, almost hit back when he beat the offside trap only to see his shot deflect off Pryce and roll agonisingly wide.

As if a switch had been flicked, Rocester then lost their way. The neat passing and movement was forgotten and for much of the last hour Market Drayton held their lead comfortably, broke quickly, and with more composure in front of goal would have grabbed a killer second.

With just one minute remaining, Pryce made a hash of catching Owen’s harmless looking free kick at the far post and Nick Ward nodded the ball into the unguarded net to rescue a point.

There was still time for Caswell to see red after collecting his second yellow card, but Rocester’s ten men saw out the remaining seconds.

Line-ups:

Rocester: Wood; Heaney; Allen; W.Johnson; Ward; Brown (P.Johnson 79); Rowley; Owen; Moran (Hubbard 90); Baum (Ruddock 69); Caswell. Subs not used: M.Ede; M.Gadsby.

Market Drayton: Pryce; francis; O.Williams; Cartwright; Bowyer; Anslow; Croker (Timmis 78); Bladen (Tomlin 74); Ryan; Humphries (Cain 69); Allen. Subs not used: D.Williams; Line.

Booked: Rocester: C.Allen, Rowley, Caswell.   Market Drayton: T.Allen.

Sent off: Caswell (Rocester) - two bookings.

Referee: Mr. T. Turner (Penkridge)

Attendance: 85