Stone Dominoes...1

Warrington Town...1

TWO controversial decisions denied Warrington the opportunity of victory in their first visit to Stone.

It led to them dropping out of the top two in the North West Counties League second division.

Moments after taking the lead in the 41st minute through their top scorer Mike Heverin, who fired home a low drive after latching on to a through ball by Robbie Preidt, Town were on the receiving end of a piece of poor judgement by the referee's assistant.

Stone striker Peter Clarke, standing in an off side position, nodded in an equaliser following a lofted cross by Paul Harris.

Warrington were left fuming again midway through the second half. Midfielder Brendan Hennessey was clearly tripped from behind by Matt Killeen after he had raced into the penalty area.

But the referee turned down their appeals for a penalty and instead awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Town, who produced a hard working but erratic performance in a poor quality encounter, later fell victim to more misfortune when substitute Neil Holden unleashed a superbly struck shot from 35 yards, which rebounded on to the line after crashing against the underside of the bar.

Town: McCormack, Moore, Cartledge, Callaghan, Pick, Hennessey, Hives, Tickle, Heverin (Honor 76mins), Moores (Holden 63), Preidt. Sub not used: Tague.

COLIN SERJENT

Town will face the daunting task of playing nine of their remaining 10 league games of the season on their travels, after meeting relegation strugglers Ashton Town at Cantilever Park on Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

They then visit bottom club Oldham Town on Friday evening. The match has been brought forward due to the England v Finland World Cup tie the following day.

COLIN SERJENT