Gritty determination takes a rare point off leaders: Warrington Town 1 North Ferriby United (From Warrington Guardian)

Gritty determination takes a rare point off leaders: Warrington Town 1 North Ferriby United

WARRINGTON Town became only the third team in 12 outings to take any points off the UniBond League Division One runaway leaders, who had a player and their manager sent off.

Glenn Walker's men could have gone on to bag all three points on Saturday if striker Simon Burton had not missed an open goal seven minutes from time.

Town had two confident penalty appeals turned down and had every right to feel they should have been the first side to defeat United this year.

In contrast, Warrington, desperate for every point while fourth from bottom of the table, could also feel relieved at the final whistle. They would have been staring at a third defeat in five league games had the division's top goal scorer, Gary Bradshaw, not put a free header from a corner high over the bar one minute into added time.

Town's point was built on gritty determination and should not be overshadowed by a moment of madness four minutes into first half injury time.

Some of the Hull team's players took offence to one of Burton's tackles and decided to dish out their own punishment.

Midfielder Andy Thompson lashed out and decked the 27-year-old and consequently received his marching orders.

Burton was booked and North Ferriby manager Brian France was incensed by the outcome. The 63-year-old entered the field of play and got in the face of referee M Ackerman, which led to a red card.

Town, although they were 1-0 behind at the time, were matching the leaders after coming to terms with their blistering pace.

The only difference between the sides was Carl Fothergill's strike after goalkeeper Colin Flood's clumsy fumble to a quickly taken free kick in the 16th minute.

Town created more chances than North Ferriby but they had to wait until 12 minutes from time for one to count.

Unmarked substitute Paul Langley netted his first goal for the club with a sweetly struck 18-yard volley from Terry Nestor's lobbed cross.

Town: Colin Flood, Lee Smith, Danny Salt, Terry Nestor, Lee Webster, Paul Clarke, Phil Mitchell, Steve Latham, Simon Burton, Graeme Mitchell (Terry Anderson 73mins), Dave Tickle (Paul Langley 68mins). Sub not used: Andy Tague.