Tuesday 9th August 2022, NWCFL Premier Division

Congleton Town 1 (Hampton 90+5)
West 1 (Miller 23)
Att: 402

West had to settle for a point at Congleton Town after the home side forced a stoppage-time equaliser.

The visitors looked on course for a third straight win at the break, after Curtis Miller’s goal had been followed by a red card for the Bears’ Paul Taylor, but the shorthanded hosts were rewarded for a dominant second-half display by Thomas Hampton’s last-gasp strike.

West’s weekend cup win at Longridge Town had come at a cost, with the injured Ben Elliott unable to recover for this trip to Cheshire. The visitors lined up with no recognised striker, with the travelling support treated to the unfamiliar sight of Laurence Taylor donning the number 9 shirt.

The game swung from end to end with no clear chances to speak of until midway through the first period – Miller’s corner from the West left swung wickedly towards the far post, with Bears keeper David Parton unable to keep it from sailing directly into his net.

The Bears’ mood worsened just before the half-hour, when Paul Taylor picked up his second red card in as many games – after failing to make it to the interval against Abbey Hey last time out, he again exited the stage early after an altercation with Curtis Miller.

West looked to press home their numerical advantage before the break, and Dontai Gabidon was inches away from converting Rhain Davis’ cross from the right flank.

That would be the last meaningful action in the Congleton box for some time, as the home side pressed West back after the break. Andrew Jones was repeatedly called into action with a series of corners and free kicks, with West’s lack of a focal point becoming more of a hindrance as they struggled to maintain control.

Just as it appeared as though West had done enough to claim all three points, a half-cleared free kick fell to Hampton, who arrowed a shot past Jones and into the net.

There was still time for substitute Liam Delaney to fire a volley into Parton’s arms at the other end, but a point each was a fair result and one which maintains West’s unbeaten start to the season.

West: A. Jones, Cook, Hancock (Westall 84), Gavin, Hampson, Foulds, Eme, Davis, Taylor (Delaney 70), Miller (Swift 90), Gabidon (Graham 90+4). Not used: Dickinson.

Eckersley’s Plumbers & Locksmiths Player of the Match: Curtis Miller.