James Briscoe
Aaron Burns continued his run of scoring as Nantwich Town battled to a deserved 1-1 draw at Rushall Olympic.
Burns’ superb low finish was cancelled out by the hosts’ Josh Craddock in an even game on a dark, drizzly night.
Terry Smith probably impressed even himself making a brilliant save in the first minute, tipping over Ahmed Obeng’s point-blank shot.
It was an even game in the first 10 minutes with only one shot to report coming from the home side.
The Pics were awarded a free-kick on 12 minutes for a Russell Courtney foul on Dele Adebola.
However, Kyle Haynes booted over Smith’s bar.
Burns had a long shot on 14 minutes but it was well gathered by Rushall’s Chris Gemmell.
Obeng took a pot shot from 40 yards on 24 minutes and while it looked like the ball would loop over Smith it only found the crossbar.
The first half hour was end-to-end with both teams looking threatening and Burns and Thomas Moore regularly linked up for the Dabbers.
Moore hit a firm shot on 30 minutes that stung the palms of Gemmell but Burns could not quite reach the rebound before the home ‘keeper cleared.
Burns was through on 35 minutes but he was judged offside.
Then he struck with venom with his right from a tight angle on 44 minutes but Gemmell managed to palm out.
Moore was there for the rebound but the bounce of the ball took him by surprise and he shot wide.
Just after the break, Burns executed a typically brilliant low finish on 49 minutes after Nantwich countered a Rushall corner.
It was a skilfully-weighted Oliver Devenney pass that sent Burns on his way for his eighth goal in 10 games, and in four consecutive matches.
Obeng poked a shot just wide of Smith’s post with the goalkeeper stranded on 50 minutes as Rushall threatened to level.
Craddock then powered a bouncing ball past Smith as Nantwich failed to clear on the edge of their area on 61 minutes.
Both sides had chances to claim all three points. Devenney cut inside to shoot on 79 minutes but his curler was well-caught by Gemmell.
Earl Davis then made a brilliant goal-saving tackle to deny Craddock on 89 minutes when it looked like the Rushall forward would net a late winner.
Nantwich: Smith, Frost (c), White, Devenney, Davis, Courtney, Carden, Davidson, Burns (Clayton 90), Moore (Bailey 63), Johnson (O’Neil 72). Subs: Harrop, Wilson.
(Pic by Simon J Newbury Photography)
Recent Comments