Late rescue act is Taylor made

UP IN ARMS . . . Jason Titterington, of Heyside, beats Slaithwaite's Greg Bower to the ball.

Heyside 2, Slaithwaite United 2

FOOTBALL: IT took a last-minute goal from the inspirational Danny Taylor to rescue a point for Heyside in Division Two of the Huddersfield and District League at Royton 3G.

With aspirations of promotion to the league's top flight, Heyside can ill afford to keep dropping points in the second half of the season.

Heyside were expected to turn over a struggling Slaithwaite side, but a sluggish opening half and a sloppy start to the second period cost them dearly.

Heyside raced into a 10th minute lead when Carl Taylor's cross-cum-shot was fumbled into his own net by a Slaithwaite defender.

Slaithwaite made Heyside pay for missing a stream of chances by levelling a minute before the break with a scrambled effort from close range.

Things got worse 10 minutes after the restart, when James Leonard pulled back a Slaithwaite striker inside the box. The spot-kick was converted.

That blow seemed to spur Heyside into action; when Taylor headed home a Michael Ward free-kick with the seconds ticking down, it was no more than they deserved.

It could be the distraction of being involved in three cup competitions — an achievement in itself at this stage of the season —that is hampering Heyside's progress in the league.

And it is knock-out action tomorrow for Heyside as they entertain Irlam Steel at Royton 3G in the third round of the Manchester County FA Amateur Cup (2.15pm).