There was late drama when Foxdale and Marown went head-to-head in the Under-18s Football League at the Bowl on Wednesday evening.

Marown began the game the strongest, winning key tackles and forcing Foxdale into errors, and they eventually found the opener when Owen Hurt broke the deadlock.

Foxdale reacted impressively to going down, with skipper Barton Beaumont rallying his side which resulting in Tyler Cain pouncing on a chance to equalise for the Dale.

Half-time saw both sides regroup and come out ready to push on and go again, with Marown again beginning with a quick tempo as they searched for the all-important next goal.

After a quality move, another chance fell to Hurt who raced through on goal before dancing round Foxdale keeper Beaumont to restore the Crosby-based outfit’s lead.

Questions were asked as to whether Foxdale had it in them to reply again and they certainly did, with a slice of luck seeing Rhys Owen put through before firing past Harry Horbury to level matters once again.

Despite the setback, Marown regrouped and, following a lapse in concentration by Foxdale, they edged in front again, Taylor Andrews wheeling away to celebrate after giving Marown what he thought was the winning goal.

With seconds to go until full-time though, Foxdale searched for a late equaliser and a free-kick was whipped in by Massimo Formby.

An off-the-ball shove resulted in a penalty being awarded by eagle-eyed referee Andy Glover.

Despite Marown’s complaints, the penalty stood and Michael Sloan stepped up under pressure to beat a known quality penalty saver in Horbury to rescue a point for Foxdale.

Heartbreak for the Maroons who thought they had done enough and were over the line, but delight for Foxdale who stay above Marown in the table as a result.

TOM CURPHEY