Round-up of every try, tackle and scrum – all the rugby action from teams across Wirral

Feb 29 2012 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

VAUXHALL Motors put an end to their losing streak by coming away from Lincolnshire with a well deserved point against promotion-chasing Gainsborough Trinity.

In the opening 45 minutes it was the Motormen who created the majority of chances as Trinity’s back four struggled to cope with Vauxhall’s attacking style of play.

Early on, a goal line clearance was needed to deny Motors the lead when debutant Dan Parkinson pulled the ball back inside the area to Craig Mahon who fired towards goal only for Trinity defender Kevin Sandwith to clear off the line.

A big mix up in Trinity’s nervy defence saw a ball up field elude the home side’s two centre backs which allowed Parkinson to try and lob Michael Emery but was unfortunate to see his shot just clip the crossbar giving Trinity another let off.

Motors went ahead after 16 minutes when a ball from the left hand side into the box found defender Tom Hannigan who was on hand to steer a looping header past Trinity keeper Emery.

Motors could have doubled their advantage shortly after however Hannigan’s long range effort went inches wide of the target.

In the second period Gainsborough looked the better of the two sides after making one substitution and switching to a 4-3-3 formation. The switch gave Trinity a lift.

However they had to wait until the 64th minute for their equaliser. Michael Leary picked the ball up just outside the area and hit a fine curling effort which was precisely placed into the top corner giving keeper Scott Tynan no chance.

Trinity were reduced to 10 men on 73 minutes when captain Kevin Sandwith was dismissed by referee Ryan Johnson for a two footed lunge on Motors’ midfielder David Mannix.

With Trinity a man down, they finished the game looking the better side and sub Leon Mettam almost netted for the Blues but both sides held out to earn a point.

l Vauxhall Motors; Tynan, Wynn, Fearnehough, Hannigan, Jones, Horne Mahon, Mannix, Stockton (Dames 66), Wilson, Parkinson. Subs not used; Ablett, Farren, Spotswood

l Attendance: 414

PHIL JARVIS