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Free-scoring Valley are held to a draw

2/12/2005

THERE was a minor shock in Division One of the Manchester League last weekend when free-scoring Whitworth Valley managed only one goal and had to settle for a point from their away match against Gregorians.

Valley made a dream start. With only five minutes gone John Luker delivered a free-kick into Gregorians' area. The ball was only half cleared and Oliver Marshall fired it into the net.

With Walsh missing it was left to McWilliams and Ogunyode to spearhead the attack but they couldn't find a way past the goalkeeper.

Valley were the victims of misfortune on 40 minutes. The ball was played into the box and Porter raced in to hit a low drive toward the Valley net.

Holt looked to have the shot covered and went to collect, but the ball hit a divot just in front of him and bounced over him into the net.

The Valley back four was strong throughout the second half and Valley pressed for a winner.

McWilliams fired against an upright and headed against the woodwork. Ogunyode had a close-range chance but fired over the bar on the turn.

With time running out Luker and O'Loughlin combined to put Marshall clear with only the keeper to beat, but he chose the wrong option, went for the chip, and delivered the ball into the keeper's hands.

John Luker was man of the match.