Ossett need a Red Adair after defeat

Evo Stik Division One North

Ossett Town 1-2 Radcliffe Borough

Ossett Town caretaker boss John Francis stood on the side-lines. Picture: Mark Gledhill

Ossett Town desperately need to appoint a Red Adair as soon as possible after late defeat to a fellow struggler in a game described as a must-win.

Manager-less Ossett have now lost nine consecutive league matches and second-bottom Harrogate Railway remain only two points from them.

Caretaker boss John Francis, the former Burnley striker who was handed the temporary role after Graham Nicholas was sacked on Thursday morning, made several changes to the line-up that faced Northwich Victoria.

Ossett went into it with the right attitude and created several openings through David Brown and Joel Dixon. However, a corner proved to be their undoing again and Steve Foster was on hand to score for the visitors.

Isaac Asseno turns home Ossett’s equaliser. Picture: Mark Gledhill

Ossett showed some fighting spirit by equalising on the hour after Issac Asseno scored from close range after Josh Moore’s knock down.

Ossett had hope of clinching a crucial victory and Luke Mangham carved out their best chance of going in front. Mangham ran over 70 yards down the right-wing and crossed for Moore, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Chris Cheetam.

Radcliffe then had Daniel Lafferty sent off. But, despite being reduced to ten men, Foster struck the winner for Radcliffe.

Ossett Town: Backhouse, Hawksworth, Fishley, Dixon, Wood (captain), Asseno, Rupere, Shelton, Moke, Lyn, Brown. Subs: Ojo, Mangham, Moore, Rogers, Fogarty.