Match Report: Glasshoughton Rock 2 v 2 Kirk Deighton Rangers.

A brace from Ashley Tatler proved to be enough to secure a point, although Rangers will be disappointed to have twice squandered a lead against high flying Glasshoughton Rock.

A changed team from the one that beat Route One Rovers last week saw Chris Plews, Craig Hall and Tatler all restored to the starting XI. New signing Joe Barden took his place on the substitutes bench, alongside Jake Little and Jack Holliday.

The first seven minutes entailed both sides probing one another, without making any serious attempts on goal. This changed when a flowing move ended with an overhead kick by Josh Barden, which cleared the host's crossbar.

It was Barden who also had the next shot, but he couldn't generate enough power, and the ball trickled to the goalkeeper.

Glasshoughton unleashed the danger of a long throw and it nearly caught Rangers cold. Fortunately, despite winning the header, it couldn't be directed towards the goal.

The next shot fell to the home side, and Deighton were thankful for the intervention of the woodwork as the ball swerved past Jonty Smith but crashed into the post and bounced back out.

Minutes later and Rangers rattled the crossbar when Barden beat his man, caught the custodian off guard with a dipping shot, but it brushed against the frame and spun out to safety.

Rangers continued to press, and the build-up play was excellent, however, it was the final ball that let the blue shirts down.

Momentum quickly shifted, and Smith was required to make three diving saves in quick succession to deny Glasshoughton from taking the lead.

An inability to keep the ball in midfield stifled Rangers and Glasshoughton pushed Deighton back, however, the home side found a determined defence with Joe Wilks, John Large, Craig Hall and Dan Flynn repelling what was thrown at them.

Joe Barden slides in to rob a Glasshoughton Rock player.

Using Rob Holliday's pace as an outlet, Rangers pushed back and Flynn had a shot that was only a few feet wide.

With twenty-five minutes over, Glasshoughton had cause to be thankful for the woodwork! A free-kick by Barden was spilt by the keeper, and following a bit of pinball in the area, Plews reacted quickest to knee the ball against the crossbar, with James Woodward hitting the post with his shot!

The opening goal arrived two minutes later after a curling cross by Barden evaded Wilks and two Glasshoughton defenders, but not Tatler who was at the back post to power home.

An enforced substitution saw Woodward limp off following a tackle to be replaced by Joe Barden in the 37th minute.

A good reflex save by Glasshoughton's keeper denied Rob Holliday, after he had swerved past a defender and shot from close range.

Half time: Glasshoughton Rock 0 v 1 Kirk Deighton Rangers

The second half commenced with Glasshoughton winning a free-kick just outside Rangers area. As before Deighton closed ranks, and the final shot was over Smith's crossbar.

With the hosts on the attack, their impetus was momentarily stopped by a superb tackle by Joe Barden. Winning the ball back, they produced a wicked cross that passed through Deighton's area untouched.

A brief respite from Glasshoughton's attack saw Josh Barden win a free-kick on the edge of the host's area. Lining up his shot, the keeper needed a solid hand to push it wide.

It was all square after 58 minutes when a powerful shot took a deflection in a mob of players, leaving Smith no chance to save it.

The goal slowed Glasshoughton down, allowing Rangers to push them back. Good build-up play featuring both Barden's allowed Tatler to have a shot which was deflected wide for a corner.

Rangers regained the lead after 64 minutes when Tatler prodded Flynn's cross past both a defender and the goalkeeper into the goal. That would be the last attack that Plews would participate in, as he made way for Jake Little.

With the ball quickly swapping ends, it took a superbly timed tackle by Large to stop Glasshoughton from breaking through the middle. Straight away a long pass saw Hall win a foot race, but have to hold the play up until Josh Barden arrived, turning his man, he got a shot away that went wide.

Another needless free-kick just outside Deighton's area ended with the ball clearing Smith's crossbar.

Tatler had a couple of half-chances to complete his hat-trick, but his shots failed to trouble the keeper. On the 73rd he made way for Jack Holliday.

Glasshoughton were always threatening and pulled level again in the 75th minute after a deep cross was powerfully headed downwards past Smith.

Trying to take advantage of a reeling Rangers, Glasshoughton attacked down the right, but Large was equal to the task and forced the striker to shoot wide.

Glasshoughton were using the long throw to maximum effect and they picked out their striker, however, he couldn't trouble Smith with his header.

Jake Little slides the ball through.

Not for the first time, the ball striking the post came to Rangers rescue when a shot beat Smith, but not the upright and Large was able to clear the loose ball.

Glasshoughton survived a loud shout for a penalty when Bhandal's shot, following a great flick on from Large appeared to strike a defender on his arm, but Mr Lynch paid no attention and awarded a corner instead.

With the game in its final stages, Little had two good chances to win the match for Rangers. Despite getting into good positions, he couldn't find the finish required to beat the keeper.

Final Score: Glasshoughton Rock 2 v 2 Kirk Deighton Rangers

Match Report by Pete Arnett.

Team: Smith, Hall, Flynn, Wilks (c), Large, Woodward, Bhandal, Barden.Josh, Tatler, Plews, Holliday.Rob. Subs: Barden.Joe (Woodward 37), Little (Plews 65), Holliday.Jack (Tatler 73)

Goals: Tatler (27, 64)

Sin-Bin: Rangers (none), Glasshoughton Rock (none)

Yellow Cards: Rangers (none), Glasshoughton Rock (1 player)

Red Cards: Rangers (none), Glasshoughton Rock (none)

Referee: Mr Steve Lynch

The Bennett and Fountain Kirk Deighton Rangers Man Of The Match: Josh Barden.