Wigton went into this game looking to bounce back from a shambolic 2nd half display against Thirsk on their last outing. Their opponents were a high flying Harold Styans outfit however they hadn't played for 2 months.
Wigton started the brighter of the two teams on a dodgy pitch that didn't help either team as Wigton tried to get their passing game going however despite Wigton’s early dominance of territory and possession few clear cut opportunities were created. Wigton did however earn a number of early corners through their initial dominance but nothing came from them. As the half wore on Harold Styans began to get a foothold in the game and for the remaining 15 minutes of the half were the more threatening team. They could even count themselves unlucky to not punish a defensive mistake from Shearer when he failed to deal with a ball in the Wigton 6 yard area.
The second half saw Wigton again begin the half the brighter of the two teams however despite their early pressure it was the away team which took the lead. Thomo, playing in the heart of the Wigton midfield attempted to keep possession of the ball by playing a long ball back to the Defence. Despite Andy Shatwell appearing the favourite to collect the pass he decided to leave it for Grimes (following his call) as he came charging out of his area like a mad man. Unfortunately for Grimes, he forgot to realise just how slow he actually is and despite having a 10 yard head start on the Harold Styans forward he was still beaten to the ball. Grimes now found himself in no mans land some 30 yards from his goal so in usual Grimes style, and somewhat reminiscent of his challenge on a Spa forward the previous season, he hacked down the Harold Styans forward, amazingly escaping any form of punishment other than conceding the free kick itself!
The resulting free kick however was delicately chipped into the area and following some slack defensive marking (not for the first team this season) an opponent was allowed to guide a free header into the top corner leaving Grimes no chance.
Wigton responded well and were again quickly on the counter however they were still unable to create any clear cut opportunities although the away team were somewhat fortunate to get the better of a goal mouth scrap as they cleared the lines when the equaliser looked likely.
The introduction of Colombian John and Neil Swift for Scott Turner and the shockingly poor Mark Shearer respectively saw a change in system as Wigton switched to a more attacking 3-5-2 and it wasn’t long before they got their rewards. A quickly taken free kick by Adam Day found the visitor’s defence napping as Trueman nipped in to glance the ball past the keeper.
More drama was still to follow as Wigton were once again punished from a set play in the dying stages of the game when a cross into the box was not cleared with the ball being bundled over the Wigton line. Harold Styans looked to have sealed all 3 points however there remained a final twist as Wigton drew level in the 93rd minute, a well placed corner from Darryl was met by Captain Bedford and as the keeper pushed the goal bound header onto bar, the ball dropped invitingly to Trueman who from 2 yards thrust his pelvis at the ball, bundling it over the line for the latest of last gasp equalisers and for what was in all honesty a fair result.
Next week sees another battle against closely positioned opposition as Wigton host Spa Athletic.
