Bickerstaffe reserves’ clash ends controversially as referee abandons match

Nov 1 2012 Ormskirk Advertiser

THERE was a very controversial finish to the clash between Bickerstaffe Reserves and Hindley Town Reserves in the Laithwhaite Shield at Hall Lane.

Bickerstaffe went 1-0 up from the penalty spot following a handball in the box.

This resulted in the Hindley player being dismissed.

R Bridge converted from 12 yards and followed up with a further penalty awarded for foul play.

Hindley never gave up but found themselves down to nine men following a poor tackle, the player being shown a red card.

Hindley’s hopes of a goal were rewarded when Bickerstaffe’s full-back headed into his own net, but continuous abuse from the Hindley line and some of their players resulted in the referee abandoning the game 20 minutes from time with Bickerstaffe ahead 2-1.

The decision as to the outcome of the game will be made by the League.

BICKERSTAFFE first team bounced back from last week’s loss to win 3-1 at second in the league Standish St Wifs.

Losing 1-0 at half-time after facing a very strong wind for 45 minutes, Bickerstaffe struck back with goals from Cocks, Bowden and Brookes to seal a well-earned win moving the West Lancashire outfit into fourth position in the division.