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Labouring Motors stuck in first gear

Vauxhall Motors 1 v 1 Barnton

Cheshire rivals Barnton became the first club to put a dent in Motors 100% league record and fully deserved the share of the spoils.

Indeed, in the first half, it was the visitors that created chances whilst the Motormen laboured. They went close after just eight minutes, when Deklan Hill blasted his shot just over the woodwork.  Vauxhall then had another let off when  one of their own players headed a dangerous cross against the crossbar with home keeper Ryan Crump stranded.

And on 26 minutes, Barnton took a deserved lead when an error in the home ranks, led to George Farrelly putting them ahead with a neat finish. Such had been the ineffectiveness of the home side, manager Mick McGraa made two substitutions at the interval.

Initially this did not have any effect, but on 53 minutes, they were awarded a penalty when Ben Holmes was tripped inside the box and Glenn Rule duly dispatched the spot kick, sending keeper Aaron Lyons the wrong way to level up the scores.

This for a short spell inspired Motors as they piled on the pressure with a number of corners.  And from one of those the home scorer Rule contrived to head wide of the target when left unchallenged from only eight yards out. Soon after Noah Robson dragged a shot wide.  But then Vauxhall lost their way once more.

Barnton striker Hill was dismissed on 76 minutes for a nasty challenge on Crump but the visitors remained resolute in defence to gain a draw.

Vauxhall: Crump,  Scarisbrick, Drummond, Jones, Mitchell, Heath, Robson (Nugent 78) Rule, Holmes, Hamm (Smyth 46), Weaver (Cross 46).  Subs not used: Roberts, Mason,