Maltby Main 1

Arnold Town 1

MALTBY MAIN continued their bright start to the season with 1-1 draw with Arnold Town.

Local youngster Nicky Hancock was given his full debut up front with Chris Dickman and Paul Staniforth back on the bench for Main’s fourth consecutive home game.

After a slow start, Main striker Matt Wragg dragged a fifth minute shot wide following John Beggs’ throughball.

In the 18th minute, Town’s Craig Mitchell went close to opening the scoring when his shot on the turn clipped the top of the bar.

But a minute later, Town took the lead when Mitchell picked out an unmarked Mark Brewster and his header from close range beat Main keeper Danny Heald.

However, their lead only lasted two minutes when Main hit back instantly.

M. Wragg and Hancock combined to set up Simon Hickey who powerfully headed past Town keeper Lee Broster.

Town started the second half strongly and had several chances.

Firstly, David Wilkins headed over from Brewster’s free-kick and then screwed a shot wide.

Heald easily saved a 40-yard free-kick from Brewster and defender Chris Hudson had a close range shot saved.

Heald then made three good saves, firstly keeping out substitute Josh Thornton’s header, next saving Mitchell’s weak shot and then tipping a Brewster shot over the bar.

Nick Hall shot over in the 73rd minute following a goalmouth scramble.

In the closing stages, M. Wragg had a goal-bound shot blocked and, at the other end, Mitchell had a low shot saved by Heald as the points were shared in a even game.

Tomorrow Main travel to Congleton in the FA Vase second qualifying round. A coach will be leaving the Maltby MW Institute at 11.30am.