By Callum Petterson
Golcar United fought back from two goals down to earn a point in a 2-2 draw at bottom of the table Maltby Main.
The Weavers were reduced to 10 men when Dan Naidole was sinbinned – and while he was off the field for 10 minutes Golcar pulled level with goals from Lee Bradshaw and Buddy Cox.
Main took the lead in the opening three minutes, as Sam Ackroyd fired a first time shot past Sam Kelly.
Golcar looked to get an instant response, and in the 8th minute George Doyle was fouled right on the edge of the box. The Golcar players and fans claimed a penalty however the referee awarded a free-kick right on the line.
Maltby Main’s goalkeeper Louis Hood was the star of the show and he made his first quality save in the 10th minute when he denied Alfie Wilkinson’s acrobatic effort.
At the other end, Kelly made some great saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0, combining with Danny Stocker who made a block on the line.
Going into the break, Maltby had the lead despite some good chances from the visitors.
Ten minutes after the second half commenced, Maltby were awarded a penalty after Adam Field fouled their forward in the box. Ackroyd converted for his second of the game, sending Kelly the wrong way.
Just two minutes after Maltby doubled their lead, Naidole was sent to the sinbin for dissent, reducing Golcar to 10 men for 10 minutes.
However, four minutes into this sinbin spell, Golcar got themselves back into the game through a brilliant Bradshaw header which looped in off the post.
Another four minutes passed, and this time it was another cross into the box which Cox finished off to make it 2-2.
Back to full strength with Naidole’s return Golcar pressed for a winner but again Hood stood firm.
Golcar’s next fixture is on Tuesday (February 27) in their rearranged home game against Goole at the Skye Direct Stadium (7.45).
Image by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
