East End Park 2

Baildon Trinity 2

East End Park began the game fielding only four players in their team who were beaten by Baildon four weeks ago in the West Yorkshire League Cup.

The new faces were all very experienced and of UniBond League and Northern Counties East calibre.

The home side even fielded Des Hazel, who now in his mid-30s, who has played for Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday and more latterly Guiseley AFC.

A few of the Baildon players and management recognised the new faces and knew straight away that this match was going to be the most difficult of the season to date. However, Baildon always seem to rise to the big match occasions and this was no different.

Both teams battled like old enemies for the upperhand. Baildon, not having conceded a goal this year against a very strong and determined East End defence, resulted in the first-half being one of midfield battles and few chances.

Indeed, Simon Dawson, battling as hard as ever, stooped down to head the ball but was unfortunately kicked in the head, leaving him nearly unconscious, as the East End midfielder was stretching to volley home.

Nick James, too, was left reeling, as he jumped for a header and was caught with an elbow which caused a nasty lump to rise on his cheekbone. Baildon were in a game.

Half-time came with East End Park having a single goal advantage. The ball was crossed in and an unmarked striker controlled and drilled past a helpless Craig Edwards in the Baildon goal.

The Baildon manager Karl Zanft instructed his players to relax at half-time and let their quality football do all the talking and Baildon emerged looking a different side.

In fact, within ten minutes of the re-start Baildon were leading 2-1. The unlikely central defender Richard Walker claimed both.

A clumsy tackle on the edge of the box left Baildon with a free-kick in an excellent position and Walker shot home with the aid of a deflection which looped over the desperately scrambling 'keeper.

Five minutes later, a fantastically flighted James corner, found the head of Walker, who nodded downwards and the ball beat the 'keeper and two defenders on the line.

Again, there were few chances and the game looked as if it would end in a Baildon victory. However, East End Park had their share of luck to come, and like Baildon's first goal, a deflection looped the ball over the helpless Edwards.

Players began to tire as a combination of a wet pitch and strong wind took its toll. A draw was probably a fair result all round and this claws back a point on the teams above. Baildon remain in third place, five points from the top of the West Yorkshire Division One table, with two games in hand.

l On Saturday Baildon entertain Rothwell Town at The Dell, next to the now demolished Fernihurst First school.