Brandon Bradbury’s early goal gave Hallam their first ever point at home in the Pitching in Northern Premier League Division One East, before an incredible effort from range levelled it for the away side after 30 minutes.
Craig Denton started the game with three changes from his side’s FA Cup win over the weekend, with Ferguson, Warren and Litchfield replacing Smith, Lipka and Howarth, with the last two dropping to the bench.
Before the game, Sandygate witnessed a minute’s silence for all those connected to Hallam who have sadly lost their lives in the past 12 months, including the much-loved club president, Uriah Rennie.
And after just 10 minutes on the clock, the Countrymen took the lead. Benni Ndlovu’s punt forward was latched onto by Brodie Litchfield, who squared to Brandon Bradbury, tapping home his second in as many games.
And straight after that, Hallam had three golden opportunities for a second. The first when Charlie Staniland hit the post on the half-volley, eventually resulting in a corner. Moments later, defender Stephen Brogan had a chance from the spot after Paulo Aguas was taken out; his attempt was saved, resulting in another corner. From this set-piece. goalkeeper Jack Hall made another brilliant save to stop the Countrymen doubling their lead, going down to his right to keep out a great effort from close range.
After 30 minutes, Bradford (PA) equalised through a great effort from range by midfielder Prince Ekpolo Egbulu, making it 1-1 for the first 45 ninutes.
Eight minutes after the break, Hallam were certain they should have been playing against ten men, when a Countryman got taken out on the halfway line; the player eventually got a warning. Play continued and Litchfield had the ball in the back of the net before the assistant raised his flag.
And with ten to go, the Countrymen were unsuccessfully appealing for a second penalty of the night when substitute Leon Howarth went down after a coming together with the goalkeeper, before a huge chance for the away side was missed.
Despite late pressure from Hallam, the game finished 1-1, after the two previous league games also finished one-apiece.
Denton and his men now have bank holiday football to look forward to, with Blyth Town visiting Sandygate on the Monday.
Photo Credits – Ian Manewell
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