COSTLY PENALTY

Bears' striker Darren Washington missed a spot kick in the first half of his side's league match at fifth-placed Eastwood Town.

However the home side tucked away their second half penalty, adding a second near the end to secure a 2-0 win which dropped Congleton one place to third from bottom.

Eastwood took the lead in the 64th minute when Simon Rudge misjudged the flight of the ball, heading back towards keeper Stuart Heeps.

An Eastwood forward reacted quickest, and won a penalty after being brought down by Heeps as the keeper went for the loose ball.

The home side sealed victory in the 89th minute as Congleton were pushing forward for an equaliser.

Eastwood broke away, for a player to pull the ball square for one of his team-mates to slot the ball home.

Despite the scoreline Congleton had their chances, and could have led at half-time after creating a number of good openings.

Darren Washington saw a left-foot shot whistle just past the post, and a header from Bears' new centre half Wayne Johnson hit a crowd of legs on the goal line before being cleared.

Johnson was making his debut for Congleton after being signed from Witton Albion, in exchange for Kevin Garforth.

Johnson was brought in by Bears' boss Glyn Chamberlain to replace on loan Colin Webster, who has been recalled by Crewe.

As half time neared Congleton centre forward Lee Hayden earned his side a penalty when an Eastwood defender was judged to be pulling him back as he ran into the box.

However Washington's spot kick was well saved by the keeper.

''Overall the game was fairly even, although we could have gone in two goals up at half-time,'' said Congleton treasurer Ken Mead.

''Once we had conceded the penalty we attacked a bit more, which gave them a few more openings.

''It was really a game of two penalties, both of which proved crucial to the outcome.''

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.