Malpas 1 Grappenhall Sports 1

DARREN Davies was full of praise for his men after a depleted Grappenhall Sports side earned a draw at Cheshire League One's second-placed club.

An Adam Rosterne corner headed home by David France, who excelled in a marking mission on Malpas' star man Alex Hughes, had put Sports ahead after 34 minutes but a second-half free kick ensured the spoils were shared.

"I had seven senior players out. Everything was against us but those lads gave everything," said Davies, whose side host Warrington Town Reserves on Saturday.

“They stuck to the system and had a real desire. That desire was supported with periods of real quality from us."

Sports started well and were in the game from the off.

Some set pieces came and went before a fine team move led to a Joe Sandbach cross finding Sisson who got across his defender only to shoot at the keeper.

At this stage Sports were playing very well on the counter and at the same time Malpas were having a bit more possession.

Sports got the breakthrough on 34 minutes when France headed home and minutes later it should have been 2-0.

A team move involving six players led to Sisson bringing the ball down eight yards out and smashing the woodwork.

Just before the break Malpas also hit a fine strike against the bar with some claiming it crossed the line.

Malpas started the second half brightly and Sports were looking more tired after a superb first-half effort.

A few more gaps were opening up but the shape remained and Sports were proving tough to break down.

However, on 61 minutes Hughes scored with a free kick from 25 yards.

Malpas had the momentum and Sports were under the cosh for 10 minutes.

Grappenhall came through that spell and ended the game the stronger team.

Sisson forced two good saves with two long-distance efforts, firstly a half volley and then a swerving 35-yard strike.

In between those efforts Sports thought they had the lead.

Causing problems on set pieces all game a scramble in the box led to Chris Hough's shot deflecting off the hard-working Sam Shaw.

The ball seemed to be two yards over the line but it was not given, despite Malpas players to their credit admitting how far it had gone over.

Sports were forcing corners and the bad luck continued in the last minute when Hough headed well against the underside of the bar.

So close to three points but a great point anyhow.

Davies added: “Dave France was given the task of man to man marking Alex Hughes and he did it brilliantly against a very talented player.

“Chris Hough had his first start and was a real leader back there.

“Dan Sisson, at 37, works as hard as anyone.

“That said I could mention them all, it was outstanding.

“I just wish we could have the consistency every week because if we had found that the game would have been a promotion battle.

“Malpas are a good side and we respected them and that drove us to get a point in difficult circumstances but in all honesty we feel we could have got all three.

"On to another tough game in the derby against Warrington Town."