Leek CSOB 1 Stand Athletic 2

STAND had to battle hard to collect three points at Harrison Park last Saturday against an inspired Leek side.

Thankfully, Latics keeper Tommy Allen was on top of his form and made a string of saves of the highest order.

It took just 45 seconds for Lee Wilkinson to get a shot on target. That paved the way for Stand's early blitz, although Lee Anderson did have to make a goal-line clearance during this spell of domination.

On 14 minutes Mark Denham broke down the left and his cross hung invitingly for Wilkinson to adjust his body in mid-air and score with a spectacular overhead kick from close range.

Chris Denham should have added a second four minutes later in a one-on-one and a superb Stuart Telfer run from right back took him into the Leek box, only for goalkeeper Andy Minor to block him.

Stand should have made more of their chances and seen Leek off before the break. They were to rue this in the second half as Leek penned Latics back in their own penalty area.

On 60 minutes Allen made a brilliant, close-range stop from Dave Ritchie and also kept out Ricky Mullen's follow-up.

Six minutes later Allen was in action again, tipping Simon Tweats' free-kick over the bar and with 15 minutes to go, Allen again foiled Ritchie with a point-blank save.

It wasn't until the 87th minute that Stand wrapped things up. Another Leek attack was broken up by Davis, he fed Stott whose superb through ball found Telfer. He ran on and fired in a shot that Minor could only palm away, the ball falling for Chris Denham to gleefully slot home from close range.

There was still a final twist when referee Whitehurst awarded Leek a penalty that had everyone baffled. Allen got a hand to Ritchie's spot-kick, but failed to stop the ball going into the net for a dramatic end to what had been a tense match.

STAND ATHLETIC: Allen 9, Telfer 8, Anderson 7, Davis 9, McCartney 8, Hannan 8, Stott 8, C Denham 7, Wilkisnon 8, M Denham 7, Dawes 7. Substitute: Carroll (for M Denham) 7. Not used: Gallagher, Ashton. Referee: Mr S Whitehurst (Milton, Staffs). Man of the Match: Tommy Allen (Brilliant when it mattered).

It's derby day tomorrow at Ewood Bridge when local rivals Bacup Borough are the visitors (kick-off 3pm). Billy McCartney's thigh strain gives Stand their only doubt, with Alan Dixon being added to an otherwise unchanged squad. Further details on 0795 0102307.