A last minute header by Harry Clayton secured a vital point for Kidsgrove Athletic as they battled from 2-0 down to secure a point at The Novus Stadium against third placed Witton Albion.

Grove’s slow start almost cost them as Robert Hopley’s third minute goal was disallowed after a late offside decision.
A 17th minute header from captain, Anthony Malbon, cannoned off the crossbar and out of play, following a good ball in from match winner Clayton.

Albion’s attacking pressure paid off in the 29th minute, after a neat piece of football lead to Steven Tames passing the ball across to Hopley who stroked the ball in to an empty net.

One minute later Tames’ snapshot from the edge of the box was parried by Chris Martin and the resulting ball was buried home by midfielder Daniel Reynolds.

Two goals in two minutes stunned Grove who were happy to get in to half time without conceding a third.

A quick start to the second half lead to a Grove penalty after Clayton went down from a push in the back from Matthew Devine.
Clayton’s resulting penalty drew a fantastic save from Albion keeper, Cesare Vernazza after his low strike looked destined for the back of the net.

Groves’ second half pressure finally came to fruition after a looping cross from Lee Pickerill was chested down by Malbon, whose mishit shot hits the crossbar and Clayton headed in the rebound.

In search of the second goal, Grove piled men forward and were vulnerable to the counter attack. Bradley Bauress’ silky touch fell in to the path of Tames whose powerful shot fired against the crossbar in the 81st minute.

Albion couldn’t capitalise on their chances hitting the crossbar twice within the last ten minutes.

Kidsgrove stretch their unbeaten run to six games as they continue their late push for the playoffs.