ABBEY HEY 2, CHEADLE HEATH NOMADS 2
In the grand scheme of things, a draw between Abbey Hey and Cheadle Heath Nomads was of little benefit to either side at either end of first division south in the North West Counties League.
Abbey had been hoping to make up further ground as they inch towards the promotion play-off places – a win would have lifted them to within four points of the top five.
But there was frustration as they twice surrendered the lead as they remained in ninth place after this stalemate.
Abbey were again without brothers Agustin and Rafael Alvarez who were in Qatar watching sibling, Manchester City’s Julian playing for Argentina in the World Cup.
Nomads were the happier after snatching a precious point in their battle to beat the drop through a 93rd minute equaliser from Isaac Graham.
Though they remain in the relegation places and four points adrift of safety, there were encouraging signs for new manager Rory Fallon in his third game at the helm.
After a lukewarm opening half hour, the game exploded to life when Nomads’ Danny Byrnes forced a decent save from Joe Lawton.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute through a superbly worked goal.
Right-back Daryll Grant found striker Jordyn Fitton who found the net with a brilliant and audacious lob, his first goal of the season.
Nomads equalised in the third minute of stoppage time when Byrne’s corner was headed home by centre-back Harrison Cunningham, high past Lawton with Abbey rueing the timing and lack of marking.
It was a terrific header into the top corner from new-boy Cunningham who has been signed by Fallon from New Mills.
Former Oldham Athletic player Jack Tuohy forced a good stop from Morgan Piper as Abbey sought to regain the lead which they did with 15 minutes left.
Darrhyl Mason’s cross from the right was headed home at the far post by substitute Elliott Fenton with his first touch, an inspired substation. It was his third goal of the campaign.
But just as in the opening half, Abbey conceded again in the third minute of stoppage time.
Graham fired home from a tight angle when he looked to have no right to find the net, though there was the hint of a deflection past Lawton.
Nomads celebrated as it felt like a victory while the Abbey players were crestfallen as they trooped dejectedly from the pitch.