Hellenic League Division One West

Letcombe 2 Tytherington Rocks 1

IT needed a very late winner for Letcombe to take all three points against Tytherington Rocks on Saturday in the Hellenic League Division One West.

But they wasted numerous chances before finally taking one.

Letcombe nearly had the perfect start when Tom Rowe curled a shot onto the inside of the far post in the first minute, but the rebound went across the face of the goal to safety.

Tytherington only occasionally threatened in open play, but looked dangerous from set pieces when tall defenders came forward, and they played far better than their lowly league position would indicate.

Ben Hummell shot narrowly wide for Letcombe before the visitors took the lead with a spectacular goal on the half hour.

Luke Whittam picked up the ball in midfield, and with Letcombe slow to press the ball, he fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 35 yards for a memorable goal.

Letcombe equalised six minutes later when a cross from Jordan Davies was controlled by Luke Faircloth, who spun and drove a shot into the net off the underside of the bar.

Letcombe almost scored again as half time approached, but Tytherington keeper Adam Clark came bravely off his line to block the shot after a good driving run from Jordan Davies.

Tytherington should have scored in the third minute of the second half, but home keeper Danny Joyce narrowed the angle and saved the shot from Liam Gale who had only the keeper to beat.

Letcombe began to dominate possession and should have taken the lead after 53 minutes.

Luke Faircloth was brought down as he raced into the penalty area, and although Jordan Davies put the loose ball into the net, the referee had already blown for a penalty.

Captain Tom Rowe put the spot kick over the bar, the seventh penalty that Letcombe have missed this season. Letcombe created and missed a number of chances, and moved central defender Tom Rowe to lead the attack with 15 minutes remaining.

The move seemed to have paid off with three minutes to play when George Francis glanced a free kick with his head, and Andy Goodchild drove the loose ball into the bottom corner, but the referee disallowed the goal after consulting his assistant because a man was offside from the original flick and interfering with play.

Letcombe were not to be denied however, and scored the winner in the 88th minute, Tom Rowe heading home a driven cross from Andy Goodchild.

It looked as though Rowe would score again in added time, but Ollie Price appeared from nowhere to clear the ball off the line with keeper Adam Clark beaten.

It was a deserved victory for Letcombe although Tytherington did play a big part in the outcome at the end.

The Rocks are at home to North Leigh FC on Saturday. Kick off: 3pm.