North West Counties Football League

First Division South

FC Oswestry Town 2

Abbey Hey 1

FC OSWESTRY Town manager Nathan Leonard admitted he was delighted to just claim all three points as they beat Abbey Hey at Park Hall on Saturday.

The Blues boss insisted he was down to the bare bones on Saturday, including naming himself on the bench and only making one change in bringing Shaun Parrington on.

He was still able to call on the class and experience of former Welsh Premier League players Christian Sergeant and Steve Evans, while Harry Bower – who scored both goals for the Blues – continues to prove why he’s so highly-rated.

“I couldn’t be happier with the boys after the game today,” he said.

“Down to 11 players today but we dug deep and controlled most of the game. The lads were tremendous – every single one of them was unbelievable and gave everything.

“We came up against a really good organised team and deservedly came away with the three points.

“It’s great to see the team, committee and the whole club moving in the right direction.”

Bower put the home side ahead on 21 minutes and it stayed that way until the half-time break.

However, Abbey Hey must have been given a rocket from their managerial team at half-time because they instantly hit back to equalise a minute after the re-start with Elliot Fenton scoring.

Both Evans and Simon Smith were shown yellow cards as Town went looking for the winner needed to keep themselves firmly in the chase for the title behind Vauxhall Motors.

And it duly arrived in the 81st minute when Bower slotted home to double his and his side’s tally, with Town hanging on to secure the much-needed three points.

Town are four points behind Motors, albeit having played three games more than their rivals, but they are also seven points ahead of Stone Old Alleynians in third place, who have one game in hand on the Park Hall side.

Last night (Tuesday), Town were in Shropshire Cup action at Park Hall, taking on struggling West Midlands Regional League side Wem Town, while they host Abbey Hulton United on Saturday.