CAERWYS VETS 3

SHOTTON STEEL 2

THIS top-of-the-table clash was always going to a close affair.

Shotton threatened the most early on and they managed to take the lead after half-an-hour.

Things could have got even worse for Caerwys when they conceded a penalty before the break, but the spot kick flew over the bar.

Midway through the second half and Caerwys were reduced to 10 men, but despite this disadvantage, they seemed to up their game in the last 20 minutes.

Rich Hughes saw a back header come off the bar, while Daniel Jones - who put in a good shift - shot wide.

Anthony Wearden headed over from six yards, before he hit the bar with a great strike from 25 yards out.

Caerwys eventually levelled with 12 minutes left.

A long diagonal ball found Gavin Hughes, who cut in and hit a low shot with his weaker right foot and this strike went in off the near post.

Things got even better for the hosts five minutes later as a Nick Voyle free kick found Wearden lurking unmarked 10 yards out and he buried his header beyond the reach of the keeper.

It wasn’t quite over as the Steelmen drew level a minute later with a free header.

There was still time for further drama and on 88 minutes, Steve Rowlands marked his debut with the winning goal.

The Deesiders went close late on, but time ran out as the Caerwys defence held the fort with some stout defending.