Nantwich Town’s revival under new boss Phil Parkinson continued un-checked with a fine 1-0 away win at Frickley Athletic, writes Richard Scott.
It was the third victory in four games for the Dabbers since former skipper Parkinson returned the Weaver Stadium to take over as manager.
A disputed second half goal by Matthew Kosylo gave Nantwich all three points and propelled them to the 17th place.
Ben Harrison and Kosylo both claimed to have converted Sean Cooke’s near post corner after 68 minutes, in a game that the Dabbers deservedly went on to win.
Mark Winslade started instead of Harry Clayton, while first team coach Danny Griggs signed registration forms on Saturday morning to be among the substitutes at Westfield Lane.
Steve Jones had the first chance of the tie, his first minute shot was well saved by Sam Leigh.
The former Northern Ireland man then tried to run the ball down the wing, but was forced out of play.
Frickley could have gone ahead when defender John Cyrus hit the bar from a corner.
Cooke picked himself up to take a free-kick after being fouled just outside the area on eight minutes. He smashed the effort just wide.
He went close again when a low Kosylo cross found him in the six yard box. But Chris Salt and James Kay combined to block.
Steve Jones continued to torment, and his cross was inches over Kosylo.
Seven minutes later, Frickley Athletic keeper Sam Leigh picked up a back pass inside his box.
Cooke teed up the free kick to Jones, but he scuffed the volley wide.
Leigh had to make a good save with his legs from Jones when he played a nice one-two with Cooke.
Two minutes into the second half, Luke Hinsey collided with Dabbers keeper Terry Smith. He needed treatment, but was able to continue.
Harrison was next to receive treatment as he fell while crossing into the Frickley box, hurting his shoulder in the process.
Frickley caused panic on 56 minutes when a looping header beat Smith and it hit the post before Mat Bailey cleared the danger.
The hosts pressed more in the second period, but came up against a resolute Dabbers defence.
Cooke almost scored on the hour when Kosylo’s chipped pass found him in the box, but he could only lob the ball on to the bar.
Kosylo then picked up the ball inside his own half, burst forward and let fly from 30 yards, smashing the top corner of the woodwork.
Cooke then had an effort from 18 yards which forced Leigh into a fine save.
The deadlock was finally broken on 68 minutes, when another corner was scrambled home at the front post.
Harrison, Kosylo, and corner taker Cooke all laid claim to the goal, which was award to Kosylo by the league.
Frickley almost levelled when Cyrus got his head to a long free kick, but it dropped wide of Smith’s goal.
Sanchez Payne was brought on for Parkinson, and he immediately made his mark rounding a couple of defenders before skipping past Smith.
The keeper dived at the forward’s feet, who took a tumble in the process.
But the referee waved away the crowd’s penalty appeal.
And there was a nervous moment minutes later when Smith was seemingly fouled as he came to catch a long free kick.
Play was not stopped by the referee and Thompson should have equalised for Frickley, but missed with the net open.
As three added minutes went up, Smith was on hand to deny Frickley with his leg as the ball bounced through to their forward.
Nantwich Town are back in action when Blyth Spartans visit the Weaver Stadium on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kick-off.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Dowling, White, Bailey, Harrison, M.Jones (C), S.Jones, Platt, Winslade, Cooke and Kosylo. Subs: Clayton (on for Winslade, 67 minutes), Blake (on for Cooke, 77 minutes), Osborne, Hudson (On for S.Jones, 86 minutes) and Griggs.
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