Mixed weekend for AFC Bickerstaffe as last minute penalty miss costs seconds dear

Sep 20 2012 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

AFC BICKERSTAFFE’S sides enjoyed mixed fortunes last weekend.

While the first team were able to pick up another good win, the seconds fell to a shock home defeat.

Bickerstaffe firsts continued their winning ways with an excellent away triumph at Ince Central.

The visitors won the encounter 2-1 as their strong run continued with the goals coming from Adam Hughes and John Carter.

While the margin of victory was slim, this was in fact a very convincing victory for the firsts.

The three points keep Bickerstaffe well in touch with the league leaders after a promising start to the 2012-13 campaign.

While the first team were picking up another win on Saturday, the second team endured a much harder afternoon.

The seconds came unstuck at home against Lawton Rams – a side they were expected to beat.

Bickerstaffe seconds started well and went 1-0 up in the opening period thanks to a cracker of a shot from Ryan Bridge.

But the hosts found themselves trailing early in the second-half after conceding three goals without reply as Lawton fought back to take control of the game.

Brookes got on the scoresheet to pull one back for Bickerstaffe, who then went in search of an equaliser.

And they were given the perfect chance when they were awarded a last minute penalty – only for Pennington to hit the bar with his spot-kick to compound a miserable afternoon.