Bamber Bridge 2
Nantwich Town 2
League (NPL Premier Division)

Match Report

A late equaliser from Alistair Waddecar condemned Nantwich Town to a frustrating 2-2 draw against Bamber Bridge at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium.

The Dabbers led twice but two great efforts from Waddecar saw Dave Cooke’s side drop two points in their pursuit of top spot.

Sean Cooke put the Dabbers in front slamming home from close-range after Joe Mwasile’s cross.

Waddecar equalised after a neatly-timed run through the defence, before lifting it over Fabian Spiess.

Nantwich re-took the lead through Mwasile, finding the near post after Jamie Morgan’s superb through ball.

However, Waddecar ensured the points were shared with a low, well-struck effort that went past Spiess’ outstretched hand.

Dave Cooke made two changes from the side that beat North Ferriby United, as Craig Lindfield and Joe Mwasile returned while Callum Saunders (injury) and Joel Stair (suspension) were absent.

The Dabbers had the first chance as Morgan found Mwasile, who put a neat cross into the box that was cleared away by Brig.

After seven minutes, Nathan Cotterell had acres of space to unleash a driving run from left-back, but his effort from range was saved by Lloyd Rigby.

Cooke almost curled into the bottom corner after letting the ball play across him from the throw-in, but Rigby allowed it to clear the far post.

Then Matt Bell hit a half-volley from 20 yards that went just over the bar.

Nantwich took the lead with 20 minutes gone. A block from Troy Bourne in defence began a 12-second counter-attack, as Morgan unlocked Mwasile on the far side. The powerful winger crossed for Cooke who guided it past Rigby to give the men in yellow the opening goal.

After 25 minutes, Brig should have equalised as neat interplay in the box resulted in a strike over the bar.

Cooke had an effort (pictured) saved by Rigby, and Nantwich led 1-0 at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, Waddecar came close but Nantwich were able to prevent the hosts from grabbing an equaliser.

The hosts applied pressure in the next five minutes and came close with two headers. One went past the post, the other was straight at Spiess.

In the 70th minute, Brig levelled as a perfectly-timed run by Waddecar allowed him to lift the ball over Spiess.

A few minutes later, Nantwich re-took the lead as they won the ball in the final third through Morgan. He played in Mwasile who was able to squeeze it into the near post.

However, Waddecar equalised for Brig for a second time with just a few minutes remaining. He picked up the ball 40 yards out, and fired one which nestled into the bottom-left corner past the helpless Spiess.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but they shared the spoils on a cool day in Lancashire.

Nantwich: Spiess, Morgan, Cotterell , Bourne, Mullarkey, Bell (C), Mwasile (McDonald 90), Lawrie, Glover (Jones 69), Cooke, Lindfield (Malkin 65)
Subs not used: Boyle, Hawkins

Match report written by Ryan Batty (www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk)