Skegness United hold title chasers Wyberton

Skegness United put a major dint into Wyberton’s title hopes with a 1-1 draw in their penultimate match of the Lincs League season on Wednesday.

And in doing so did neighbours Skegness Town a huge favour.

Danny Reid and Kyle Howitt returned to the starting line-up and it was United who had the first shot of the match after two minutes, Howitt’s 20-yarder landing in the arms of visiting keeper Martin Louth.

Then a couple of minutes later a snap shot from Wyberton was wide of the target.

After 15 minutes the match was flowing from end-to-end, however, neither keepers were called into action.

On 25 minutes United had a great opportunity to open the scoring when Tom Pickett, with only Louth to beat from 10 yards, hit the keeper with his shot, and Harry Ginniff fired over from the follow-up.

Five minutes later Reid outpaced the visitor’s defence and hit Louth with his shot from an angle as the keeper came of his line.

On 35 minutes Wyberton came close to opening their account when they hit the top of the bar, after United thought the ball had gone out for a goal kick.

The next action came in the Wyberton six yard box when Louth saved his side on two occasions with brave saves at players’ feet to keep his goal intact.

At the start of the second half it was United who started on the front foot, attacking the visitors’ goal.

After a United attack had been repelled, Danny White broke down the visitor’s left the full length of the field and Travis Portas had to save low down in the United goal.

On 55 minutes Wyberton took the lead from the penalty spot.

James Cole was adjudged to have brought down a visiting player on the edge of the box.

From the resulting kick Elliott Pogson duly dispatched the penalty.

Two minutes later a through ball sent Reid clear of the Wyberton defence, however Louth was quickly of his line to smoother the ball.

With 25 minutes to go Wyberton introduced Stamford player Lee Beeson and Boston Town’s Fraser Bayliss to secure the points.

Shortly after their introduction United drew level.

Following a quickly-taken corner the ball was played to Howitt, whose right foot shot found the top corner of Louth’s goal.

Then Reid was taken out by a visiting defender just inside the Wyberton half when racing clear.

With him being so far from goal no action was taken other than a free kick.

In the last 15 minutes the visitors came more into the game has an attacking force, however the home defence stood strong and gave excellent protection to Portas in the home goal.

The final whistle went with a point for each side, however more composure in front of goal would have been three points for United.

UNITED: T. Portas, Kendrick (Murray-Parris), Howitt, Ashwell, Simpson, Cole, J. Portas, Cunliffe, Pickett, Ginniff, D. Reid: Subs (not used): A. Reid, Paul.

Man of Match: Alex Simpson.