WARRINGTON men's hockey team's final league game before the Christmas break ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Lytham St. Annes.

Lytham started well as Warrington struggled to get to terms with the bouncy surface.

But after offering Lytham no clear-cut chances Warrington's midfield eventually took control of the game.

Only poor finishing and the reluctance of the official to award a penalty for what can only be described as an agricultural tackle on Nigel Stanhope left the scoreline level at the interval.

Warrington's inept finishing was punished when Lytham scored on the break 15 minutes into the second half.

But they piled on the pressure immediately and Tim Rothwell equalised with a powerfully struck shot.

Five minutes later Warrington scored with a tremendous goal as Chris Hart finished in style but the second official advised the referee, who had awarded the goal, to disallow it.

Lytham scored a dubious second on the break but 10-man Warrington threw caution to the wind and attacked constantly before Tim Rothwell levelled the score with seconds left.

Against all odds Warrington secured a point and retained their position at the top of the league.

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