Rugby Union: Fylde 13, West Park 13

Oct 29 2007 by Ron Roby, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Merseysiders might have grabbed the spoils in the closing minutes had Rob Hitchmough’s drop goal attempt not shaved the post or Andy Soutar’s penalty with virtually the last kick of the game not gone narrowly wide.

As it turned out, a draw was probably a fair result, with Park at least coming away from the Woodlands with a couple of points that keep them cemented in mid-table in National Three North.

Fylde seized the initiative against the run of play to take the lead when winger Oliver Brennand finished off a swift handling move that went almost the length of the field. John Armstrong added the extras before Soutar kicked a penalty.

The visitors were starting to show their worth up front and a sustained period of pressure enabled Hitchmough to force his way over the line near the posts. Soutar’s kick provided the lead but Armstrong’s penalty brought the scores level.

With the break approaching Soutar responded to regain the lead with another penalty. The only further score was an Armstrong penalty after 55 minutes that levelled matters.