AFTER a five-week big freeze, Tytherington Rocks came out with a hot performance in this home encounter against league leaders Purton.
As they warmed up in the opening seconds they won a penalty.
Marcus Taylor was tripped and after waiting a moment, referee Rod Ashman pointed to the spot and up came Rock top goalscorer Danny Thorpe to convert easily.
Minutes later Thorpe blasted in a 25-yard free-kick and Purton ‘keeper Sean Farrell made a wonderful high-flying save to prevent the ball going into the top corner.
The visitors, who have conceded just one league defeat this season, were second best in the first half as Rocks goalkeeper Rob Dent had a quiet game.
Purton had much of the possession before the interval but did not scheme any openings except one shot from Johnny Coole which was blocked by Nathan Irwin.
Rocks got a second-half push, and twice Taylor went close as one shot brushed the bar and then he picked up a downward header from Dave Legg and his effort cracked against the post.
With 14 minutes remaining a fortuitous long shot from Purton’s Marcus Hall deflected not once but twice as the ball scrambled over the Tytherington goal-line where Dent and some of the his defenders tried to get it away, but failed.
Both teams went close in the dying seconds as Purton captain Cole headed just high from a corner.
Then Jimmy Hicks, who has come back to Tytherington from his short visit to Hallen, came on as a late Rocks sub.
He picked up a pass from Nathan Irwin and the speedy striker shot inches wide as Farrell was beaten .
“Against the league leaders we wanted a second goal”, admitted Rocks manager Barry Granger.
“But it was not coming and Purton did have a little luck near the end.
“We have had good results against the clubs at the top and we are looking to finish in the top half-half of the table.”
Tytherington’s game against Easington this Saturday has been postponed but the reserves are at home to Bristol Athletic, 2pm.
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