LEAGUE leaders Tytherington Rocks produced another gritty display to earn three more valuable points against Easington, writes John Crooks.

The game, which will certainly not live long in the memory, was settled in the hosts’ favour with nine minutes left.

In a moment of madness an awe-inspiring header from Tytherington central defender Andy Criddle went over the surprised Easington defenders and gave master marksman Justin Bishop the chance to run away and score his 12th goal of the season.

That goal, which Bishop managed to put home after three efforts in front of the visitors’ goal, was enough to put Tytherington six points ahead of the Old Woodstock Town, who were surprisingly beaten 4-2 at Cirencester Development, and it meant that the Rocks earned a League double over hard-working Easington Sports.

Any inspirations the visitors had of pulling off an upset, were put on hold in the 56th minute when Tytherington goalkeeper Tom Sheppard made a stunning one-handed save to stop a goal bound header from Sam Ginger.

Although Bishop got the goal Toby Colbourne, awesome in the air, was a real threat to Easington’s defenders.

However, in the last minute, he skewed an easy chance wide of the mark when he should have scored.

Man of the match Criddle said: “We are still winning, although we could have played better than today.

The boys will keep going right to the end.”

On Saturday, the Rocks are away at Malmesbury Victoria, 3pm.

Tytherington assistant-boss Jason Wood, who has missed the last two matches because of a rib-injury, said: “I am hoping to play at Malmesbury but I might have to wait to get back in the team, who have had some good results.”

Tytherington Rocks reserves won 3-2 at Glenside 5 Old Boys. This Saturday they are home to Bristol Athletic, 2pm.

* Brimscombe and Thrupp edged past Winterbourne United after Dave Woodfield grabbed a brace either side of a James Mainstone effort for the visitors in the first half.