Late goal brings a defeat for Hanley Swan

Although they lost, fourth-from-bottom Hanley came away with their heads held high having contributed to a good game of football.

Both teams started with open attacking play but Gala opened the scoring against the run of play.

Hanley levelled shortly after with a well-deserved goal by Cathal McTernan.

With five minutes of the first-half left, fourth-placed Gala scored a second scrappy goal to regain the lead.

Hanley started the second period with the same commitment and vigour and created a number of chances but the home keeper denied them.

Following good play on the right by Kev Moore, McTernan was put through and scored a fine equaliser.

Both teams continued to play good football but Gala got the lucky break, scoring a scrambled third goal with minutes to go.

Hanley did not give up and created several scoring opportunities in the dying minutes but it was not to be.

They deserved more from the game, having played some fine football at times.

Hanley have no game tomorrow and their next fixture is at home to local rivals Upton Town on Saturday, January 31 (2pm).

Games for Upton and Welland were both called off.

Welland hope to return to action tomorrow at home to Charlton Rovers Reserves in Division Three (2pm).

Malvern Vale thrashed Cheltenham Saracens thirds 11-2 in Division Six.

They retained their 100 per cent record at the top of the table in style against their third-from-bottom visitors.

Dan Stowe scored five goals with Aaron Griffiths (2), David Hayman, Ashley Jones, Joe Turner and substitute Steve Dallow on target.

Meanwhile, Newent Town’s game was postponed and they now play at Stonehouse Town in Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division One tomorrow (2pm).

Newent Town ‘A’ secured a 6-3 win at Lydbrook Athletic ‘A’ in North Gloucestershire Association League Division Two.

Steve Piper scored twice with Ross Allard, Scott Morgan, Deslan Thomas and Josh Burns also netting for Town.