Menston 1 WHEATLEY 1

BEFORE these two teams met last November Wheatley sat undefeated in second place with Menston third. Since then their paths have diverged wildly as Wheatley have slipped to seventh and Menston have remained close on the heels of leaders Woolpack.

Bearing that in mind this was a creditable result against a well-organised, hard-working side. Indeeed Wheatley led at half-time and it could have been two. On the half hour Hartley wove his way past three men before releasing Beanland who was then tackled and the defender handled as he fell. Beanland took the penalty but he slammed his kick against the post.

Five minutes later Wheatley took the lead when Drew flicked on Sheard's long kick and Beanland latched on to it to lob the 'keeper from 30 yards.

Just before the interval it looked as though the home side, who had enjoyed most of the possession, would level when Moore and Christy conspired to unceremoniously dump a Menston attacker on the ground and another penalty was awarded. This time the shot was on target but Sheard's outstretched leg kept the ball out.

The second-half was virtually one-way traffic as Menston poured attack after attack on a resolute Wheatley defence well served by Powell, Hartley and Ackroyd. Sheard was again outstanding in goal as he made three or four top class saves.

With 15 minutes to go Menston finally broke through when a 20 yard effort beat the unsighted Sheard.

Wheatley hung on for a point. Skipper Ashley Roberts claimed match point with an inspirational display fighting for every ball.

l On Sunday Wheatley visit Olicanians kicking-off at 10.30 am.

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