Published: 04/02/2010 00:00 - Updated: 11/02/2010 11:17

Missed penalty costs Doms dear

Stone dominoes suffered only their second league defeat of the season, going down 1-0 at home to AFC Liverpool on Saturday.

However, the Yarnfield side still lead the way in the North West Counties first division, by six points from Barnoldswick, who have a match in hand.

Dominoes captain Niall Maguire missed a second-half penalty and his side were made to rue that mistake when AFC Liverpool’s McCoy struck the game’s only goal.

The home side opened strongly, with top scorer Dan Brown testing visiting keeper Paul Willis with an early longrange drive.

Liverpool responded, but McCoy’s drive flew across the face of the home goal.

At the other end, Brown and Maguire combined well to set up a chance for Simon Eldershaw, who drove over from 18 yards.

After Matt Bradbury missed a closerange effort for Dominoes, the home side were awarded a penalty on 55 minutes when Brown was brought down, but Willis palmed away Maguire’s spot kick.

Not long after, AFC Liverpool struck what proved to be the crucial matchwinner when McCoy cut in from the right and found the net.

Dominoes pressed for an equaliser and Karl Charlton was denied by a goal-line clearance as time started to run out for the Stone side.

In the closing stages, Dominoes’ Dave Shaw should have done better when heading a corner over the bar from close range.

This Saturday, Dominoes will be keen to get back to winning ways when visiting second bottom Oldham Boro (3pm).

On February 13, Dominoes entertain either Leek CSOB or Foley in the Staffs FA Vase quarter finals. Eccleshall are also through to the last eight and visit Bloxwich United.