Sunday football: Haddrell rescues Blue Mugge

Leek and District League

by Gwyn Griffiths

CONGLETON Town striker Matt Haddrell hit back to earn Blue Mugge a vital point against rivals Britannia Inn.

With the big two in the Premier Division squaring up for the first time, Mugge could ill afford to lose as they trailed leaders Britannia by 12 points ... albeit with four games in hand.

Former Stoke youth player Jamie Pointon fired the Brit into an early lead, but Haddrell was on the mark on 37 minutes to throw them a lifeline.

Second-placed Britannia Athletic drew with Dyers Arms after the visitors grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time.

Marc Cooke fired Dyers ahead, but Andy Graham's penalty levelled things up and Oliver Shenton put Athletic in front midway through the second half.

Nick Cooke hit back for Dyers before Matt Birchall looked to have secured victory for Athletic with five minutes left, only for Cooke to strike his second.

Division One leaders Valiant were surprisingly held 1-1 by lowly Biddulph Roaring Meg. Steve Poole fired the home side ahead, but Rob Minton's late strike rescued Biddulph.

Valiant's setback allowed Vale Hoppers to close the gap to four points when they thrashed Mucky Duck 5-2 with the help of a brace from Pete Danford.

The Porters Cleaners Shield second round threw up a few surprises, with First Division strugglers Wellington taking Premier side Powys Arms to extra-time before bowing out 3-2.

And Durham Ox, bottom of Division One, gave mid-table Premier Division side Foresters quite a game.

Darren Wood gave Foresters the lead, but Jake Tagell's strike upset the form book until Matt Swindells grabbed a late winner for Foresters.

The all-Premier tie between Abbey Inn and Elmo's saw the former ease into the next round with a 2-0 win.

Premier side Unicorn were too strong for Bird in Hand as they registered a 4-0 win with a hat-trick from Guy Baxendale and an effort from Nick Tarry.

AFC Powys Arms beat Waterhouses 2-0 with Adam Robson and Ryan Thorley on target, but Shakerley Arms had victory snatched away when Horseshoe Inn hit back with two late goals from Adrian Rutterford and Carl Critchlow to clinch a 3-2 win in the last 15 minutes.

Fountain Inn reached the final of the Staffs FA Sunday Trophy by beating Uttoxeter side Cheadle Town End.

Goals from Dan Cope (2) and Darren Hall secured a 3-1 win and a date with Bench and Bar.

Visit www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football for more news from the local football scene