First-half - Matty Devine eyes the ball under pressure (1) v Leek Town

Nantwich Town were beaten by a late goal at Leek in their latest pre-season encounter.

The Dabbers had been pressing for a winner themselves when they caught by a pot-shot at goal which hit the Nantwich keeper into the path of a Leek player.

He reacted quickly and blasted it in off the underside of the bar into the net.

In the first half neither side could break the stalemate, despite both teams showing plenty of spirit and endeavour.

It came to life just one minute after the restart when the hosts took the lead.

Leek broke on the counter attack and Rob Stevenson was sent clear one on one with Dabbers keeper Walklate, lifting it over his head and slotting home.

Soon after on 55 minutes, Nantwich were awarded a free kick 25 yards out.

And specialist Sean Cooke stepped up to curl a beauty around the wall and keeper into the corner.

Second-half - Sean Cooke curls a free kick round the wall and round the keeper (1)
Sean Cooke curls a free kick round the wall for the leveller

Both sides continue to press for a winner, with Stevenson going close to his second on 74 minutes.

He broke through the defence and his powerful strike was well saved down low by Walklate.

The hosts finished the stronger of the two teams, and secured their win with just four minutes to go.

Nantwich open their 2020-21 Northern Premier League season with a tough away fixture at FC United of Manchester on September 19.

A week later, they play their opening home league game when they welcome Stalybridge Celtic to the Weaver Stadium.

Details on ticket prices, season tickets, and crowd restrictions and access are available on the club’s website here.

(Match images courtesy of Jonathan White)

Second-half - Leek Town second and winning goal (1)
Second-half – Leek Town second and winning goal
Second-half - Connor Heath rises to win the ball (1)
Second-half – Connor Heath rises to win the ball
First-half - Callum Saunders headed 'goal' is adjudged offside (1)
First-half – Callum Saunders headed ‘goal’ is adjudged offside
Second-half - Sean Cooke pushes towards goal (1)
Sean Cooke pushes towards goal

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