Blott spoils the Liversedge finale

LIVERSEDGE suffered an agonising defeat to Scarborough Athletic in the last minute of their final match in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division last Saturday.

Sedge dominated for long periods but as so often this season, they conceded goals at the end of both halves and, although everyone else in the division still have games to play, they will finish in 14th place.

Liversedge made a bright start and took the lead after only five minutes when Alex Hallam sent Nathan Cartman through. His shot was parried by the goalkeeper but Paddy Maguire followed up to fire home.

Hallam set up Cartman again but he shot wide before Curtis Bernard was given a run on goal for Athletic but James Riordan did well to nick the ball off him in the act of shooting.

Unfortunately, Riordan was forced off ill soon after but the home side created another chance as Maguire again went close.

Although Sedge had been the better side, Scarborough equalised on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Blott cut inside from the wing and rifled home.

Liversedge were handed the chance to regain the lead after 51 minutes when the referee spotted Jake Lawler’s shirt had been tugged in the area and awarded a penalty, which Cory Larkin tucked home.

Scarborough again levelled when Liversedge failed to clear their lines and Wilf Dinsdale volleyed home.

Maguire fired wide and two minutes from time Damien Hopkins went close when he shot just over the crossbar.

It looked like the game would end all square but with many of the 210 spectators heading for the exit, Scarborough launched an attack deep into stoppage time and although Danny Knight did well to turn a shot away, dangerman Blott gathered the ball on the by-line and curled it home from a tight angle to snatch all three points.

Liversedge finished 14th in the table.

Liversedge: Knight, Wood, White, Larkin, Riordan (Cooper 28), Lawler, Hurley, Hopkins, Cartman, Maguire, Hallam. Subs (not used): Shuttleworth, Ashforth.

n Liversedge hold their presentation night on Friday May 18 in the club. All supporters are welcome.

Paddy McGuire opened the scoring for Liversedge in last Saturday’s final NCE Premier Division game against Scarborough

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