Liversedge go through after sporting gesture

Liversedge were on the verge of causing a major upset as they led their first round tie 4-1 when the match was abandoned following a floodlight failure after 78 minutes.

The West Riding County FA wanted the tie to be replayed but Evo-Stik Division One North opponents Ossett intervened and requested Liversedge be awarded victory.

Town manager John Reed and members of the club’s committee approached the West Riding FA to allow Liversedge to progress .

Secretary Neil Spofforth said: “Members of the Ossett Town committee and first team manager John Reed quickly agreed to approach the County FA and suggest, for the integrity of the game and the competition, to allow the result to stand.

“Ossett Town felt Liversedge deserved to progress through to the second round given the score line, the time remaining and their performance on the night. Although well within our rights to go back and get a fortunate second bite of the cherry, we felt, it would not be the fair thing to do.”

Liversedge now travel to Northern Counties East League Premier Division high fliers Tadcaster in the week commencing November 1.

n Liversedge’s venture into the FA Vase proved short lived as they suffered a 4-0 defeat at Bedlington Terriers in Saturday’s second qualifying round.

Liversedge fell behind to a fourth minute penalty, converted by Lee Scott.

Jordan Nellis doubled Bedlington’s lead on the half hour before Scott’s second put the Terriers 3-0 up at the interval.

Dylan Williamson struck three minutes into the second half to complete the scoring.