Kidsgrove Athletic return to action with a friendly draw

Kidsgrove Athletic returned to action as they drew 1-1 with AFC Wulfrunians in a mid season friendly.

Kyle Diskin had given the Grove the lead early on from the penalty spot. But the visitors from the Midlands Premier League hit back in the second half with a well worked free-kick.

The side managed by Scott Dundas haven’t been in action since the end of October when they defeated Stratford Town 3-1 in the Buildbase FA Trophy, this is due to the National lockdown that the Government imposed to help fight the Coronavirus pandemic. The lockdown meant that non-elite sport (which include Kidsgrove Athletic and Leek Town) couldn’t play let alone train.

Kidsgrove took the lead on 14 minutes when Kyle Diskin blasted a penalty down the centre of the goal following a handball just inside the area and, it looked like Kidsgrove would be returning to action with a win.

The Grove could have had a second spot kick just six minutes later when new signing Jacob Twyford was bundled over in the area. However, the referee waved away the appeals.

Despite a strong performance by the Grove they only took a 1-0 lead into the half time break and, they were pegged back on 54 minutes when a free-kick given right on the edge of the area was to beat Kieran Harrison to make it 1-1.

The Northern Premier League South East Division side had a few good chances to win the game. The best coming from Jake Lovatt when he was unmarked and put his header wide of the goal.

While at the other end Harrison was on hand to deny any threats from the Midlands Premier League side.

The result will not matter for Kidsgrove manager Scott Dundas as he would have wanted a good performance from his players, which he got, as Kidsgrove prepare for the Buildbase FA Trophy tie against Stamford AFC on Tuesday night. Should the Grove win then they will equal their best run in the competition when they made round two in the 2004/05 season.

While supporters will not be able to attend the game at the Autonet Insurance Stadium, Moorlands Radio will be bringing you full commentary of the game.

Richard Scott
Richard Scott
Sports Reporter

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