BY JONATHAN EELES

After their exploits in the FA Trophy last weekend Leek Town returned to the bread and butter of the NPL Pitching In West. It was an early start for all who travelled on the bus with this being the longest trip of the season, and probably the longest trip in the league this season along with their counterparts from the Potteries.

Neil Baker strengthened numbers this week by bringing Regan Brown and Mason Pickering into the squad, as both Alex Morris and Will Saxon had decided to move on after 7 day approach notices from other Clubs. Tom Carr was preferred to Tim Grice in the starting eleven. The game resulted in an entertaining score draw where no side deserved to lose, with the spectators witnessing two excellent goals. The game was also memorable as Ollie Harrison notched up 100 appearances for the Club & Robert Stevenson scored his 70th goal in a Leek Town shirt.

Leek started brightly and perhaps should have been in front on 5 minutes, the press from Trickett-Smith recovered the ball and fed Carr who perhaps should have scored but Atkinson smothered the shot. Leek continued their good work with Wara intercepting the ball and feeding Carr, who in turn passed to Trickett-Smith with the resulting shot being saved. The game continued to ebb and flow with Workington looking to play from the back and getting the fullbacks high up the pitch, Birch continually probing on the right left hand side. On 13 minutes Neil Baker was forced into a substitution when Ross Davidson went down with an injury - it was a straight swap for Jessy Bavanganga in midfield.

The enforced change gave Workington some impetus and Birch continued to cause problems with numerous crosses one grazing the bar. Several corners were defended in quick succession whilst Leek looked very dangerous on the counter attack, particularly with Rob Stevenson who was being marshalled by Holdsworth. Both teams were attempting to play football, Workington with their build up play from the back and Leek with their high press and quick counter attack. Workington finished strongly again with Birch who was continuing to drive forward forcing Wara deeper.

WORKINGTON AFC 0 - LEEK TOWN 0 HT

Leek started on the front foot with Trickett-Smith being brought down for a free kick, Keenan delivered a good cross into the box with Harrison heading over. The action immediately switched to the other end, a poor header from Bavanganga was picked up Allison who shot with the outside of his right foot and Booth doing well to tip it over. Workington continued to press with Leek forcing them to shoot from distance, a loose ball was picked up on the edge of the area and Symington produced a grass cutter which struck the post after Booth just got his finger tips to it. Leek continued to counter with Trickett-Smith and Stevenson combining well, but the game was still end to end and Symington was becoming very prominent on the left wing and cutting in, producing another shot which was saved by Booth but only after it was initially spilled.

On 72 minutes the deadlock was broken with Wara collecting the ball in his own half and playing a clever one-two with Reeves, he advanced down the right wing before receiving the ball from Trickett-Smith and produced a peach of a cross to Rob Stevenson who volleyed the ball into the net with an athletic half bicycle kick - a goal of the season contender. Workington continued to push forward and threw everything at Leek, Symington was definitely the dangerman who beat Wara, cut in and shot for Booth to tip over for a corner kick. The Workington central defenders came up for the kick, the ball was cleared to the edge of the area and Keenan and Wordsworth both attempted to get to the ball, the resulting clash saw Wordsworth fall heavily in the area after the challenge but referee deemed no penalty even though there was contact. This resulted in a period of possession by Workington with several corners. There were several thunderous but fair challenges in midfield as each side tried to establish possession.

Leek were limited to counter attacks as Workington pushed forward in search of an equaliser, more corners reigned in with Wara clearing under the bar and resulting scramble where Workington conspired not to score. On 85 minutes Workington finally drew level when substitute Leslie fed the ball down the right hand side to Symington who collected the ball, dribbled across the area and shot from the edge of the area for the ball to nestle in the far corner of the net - another very good goal.

Despite some further late pressure Leek held firm and welcomed the final whistle after the referee played around 5 minutes added time, an excellent away point and hugely entertaining game for the 601 who attended.

WORKINGTON AFC 1 - LEEK TOWN 1 FT

Leek return to FA Trophy action next week with a trip to Atherton Colleries.

Leek Town line up as follows

1. Booth

2. Wara

3. Keenan

4. Grocott (c)

5. Harrison

6. Ryder replaced by Carr (90)

7. Davidson replaced by Bavanganga (15)

8. Reeves

9. Carr replaced by Grice (68)

10. Trickett-Smith replaced by Brown

11. Stevenson

Substitutes : Pickering (unused)

Attendance : 601