Harold Styans 1, Addingham 1

Addingham's battle for points was a minute away from claiming all three when Styans struck to earn a deserved draw and leave Addingham feeling like they had lost.

Having battled so well and defended superbly Addingham's frustration was huge but the underlying truth was that Styans had been the better side in the second-half and their equaliser, albeit a late one, was totally deserved.

With Steve Perkins back from his eight week absence with ligament damage, and new signing Jamie Taylor available following his transfer from Pool, Addingham's hopes were of a strong starting squad.

They should have known better. Carl and Micheal Kernick, Denman, Graves, Kennedy, Rennolds, Siverthone, Chlebo, and Galasso were all ruled out through injury leaving Addingham with a bare looking squad and one lacking in match practice.

That said they started brightly and were one up inside five minutes. New signing Taylor's looping free-kick eluded everyone and curled inside the far post.

Styans looked rattled and Addingham began to dominate. Perkins, Tod and Collins all went close. Styans rarely threatened and when they did makeshift centre-half Marriot was superb alongside Mills as Addingham held firm.

Such was Addingham's dominance that the 1-0 scoreline flattered Styans and eventually Addingham were left to rue their missed opportunity.

After the break Styans raised their tempo and they in turn took control of the game. Dobson though was magnificent. A first-half spectator he made three blinding saves in the second-half that kept his side in the contest as Addingham struggled to raise their game and cohesion.

Relying on the counter attack Addingham could have sealed the game but Perkins and Tod both looked slightly rusty in front of goal and squandered their side's two best chances.

Such is the value of three points to Addingham that they continued to defend with stout determination. Lee Edwards in particular was brilliant. Drafted in from the Reserves at the very last minute he made vital tackle after tackle and Styans' efforts began to wane.

With the clock ticking down Styans made three substitutions that Addingham did not have the luxury of matching.

A combination of tiredness and fatigue throughout the side meant that Addingham were hanging on. Styans rattled the bar and forced Dobson into action on numerous occasions and just when Addingham looked like holding out the killer blow was struck.

Battling on with ankle damage Andy Collins was unable to head clear and the Styans' sub- stitute lobbed Dobson.

The Addingham 'keeper got his fingertips to the ball but was unable to divert its flight. Marriot's goal line retrieval was in vain and Styans had their deserved equaliser.

Addingham re-started and the referee, who was excellent, brought the contest to an end.

Having been on the receiving end of some heavy defeats of late Addingham were pleased with their overall display and with so many players out and due to return then the confidence is still high.

Styans were worthy of a point on the day but a stronger Addingham side would have made lighter work of what was in essence a poor opposition.

l On Saturday Addingham are away to Northallerton Town. All players meet in the Crown at noon.