Nantwich Town’s last game offered up goals, penalties and red cards, writes James Briscoe.
Grantham gifted Ben Deegan a goal on 25 minutes to give the Dabbers a lead at a showery and blustery Weaver Stadium.
But Lee Potts equalised for the visitors before his teammate Paul Grimes missed a penalty and their number one, Dan Haystead, was sent off late on for dissent.
There was a generous helping of Grantham fans at Nantwich whose heroes looked determined to re-pay their support but struggled to create chances.
Deegan used his strength to bustle past keeper Haystead and defender Paul Lister to tap in on 25 minutes.
The Gingerbreads’ determination to get in front seemed to turn to an intent to give the ball away in dangerous positions but the Dabbers wasted chances.
On 37 minutes, Potts levelled slamming in to an empty net after Steven James’ weak punch.
Max Harrop won a couple of tackles in quick succession on 45+1 minutes and when Aaron Burns’ shot was fumbled, Deegan had a great chance to score his second but scuffed wide.
As the rain clouds drifted away, each defence shored up and chances became harder to find.
Grimes tricked Andy Pearson with a flick over his head and the right back made a rash challenge resulting in a penalty on 76 minutes.
The fouled striker took responsibility but missed.
Deegan hit the post a minute later with a cheeky lob which could have sealed Nantwich’s first win in nine games.
Meaney forced an acrobatic save out of Haystead on 82 minutes.
But the keeper did not last much longer though as he was sent off with a second yellow for dissent on 84 minutes.
The result in the final league game leaves Nantwich in 19th place on 56 points, seven clear of the relegation places.
Nantwich Town: Steven James, Andy Keogh, Andy White, Mark Jones (c), Andy Pearson, Sam Wilson, Harry Clayton (Nick Haughton 68), Alex Meaney, Aaron Burns, Ben Deegan, Max Harrop. Subs:, Peter Green, Ollie Devenney, Callum Hood, Earl Davis.
Recent Comments