Abbey Hey 1 Flixton 1

2:24pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

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FLIXTON’S FA Cup progress was put on hold as they drew 1-1 with Abbey Hey in the Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday.

Playing against the wind in the early stages, Flixton struggled to make any headway and it was Abbey Hey who had the first chance of note.

A through ball found Dominic Lillie one-on-one with Flixton keeper Andy Moore but he managed to pull off a good save.

The response was immediate from Flixton as they went straight downfield, Curtis Wade heading Gavin Lockett’s cross towards goal. Steve Downs had to be on his toes to save.

Flixton had a penalty shout turned down in the 11th minute when Ashley Kelly appeared to be brought down inside the box and they were unlucky not to take the lead with half time approaching.

Tom Murphy’s shot was deflected onto the bar with Downs rooted to the spot.

But the visitors were not to be denied. Soon after, Murphy drove into the box and pulled the ball back into the six-yard area, Kelly stealing in to prod home.

The second half began with Flixton looking to double their lead but Abbey Hey equalised against the run of play on 50 minutes.

Flixton lost possession in midfield and Lillie lofted the ball over the defence, allowing Steve Cooke to race through and curl a shot into the top corner.

This made the visitors double their efforts in search of a winner.

The nearest they came was when Murphy held the ball up and passed to Billy Dempsey, whose shot went just over the bar.

There were little or no chances throughout the remainder of the game as both teams played nervously.

On Saturday Flixton travel to Nelson, kick off 3pm. The next home fixture is on Saturday September 6 when Flixton entertain Congleton Town in the FA Vase, kick off 3pm.