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Diggle pay a double penalty

27/ 9/2006

DIGGLE'S promising start to their Huddersfield League season went off the rails as they lost 4-1 at Newsome.

The match was well contested in the opening half-hour with Diggle having the best of the play and chances, Keiron Mayall's header hitting the bar and Paul Cullington spurning two one-on-one chances.

It was clear that Diggle's quick feet and sharp movement had caught the home side out, but Newsome were never out of the game.

Newsome took the lead on 30 minutes, doubling the advantage two minutes later when Gareth McWatt dropped the ball at the feet of a grateful Newsome striker who duly netted.

The second period was as close as the first in terms of general play, but it was Newsome who were out of the blocks first this time.

However, Diggle played their way back into the game and deservedly reduced arrears through Gareth Goddard's strike.

There then followed two critical moments within five minutes, first when Diggle felt that the home keeper should have been dismissed for handling outside the area, and the second when Diggle's Ali Simmons was red-carded for handling in the area.

Newsome converted the penalty for a 3-1 lead before another penalty made the scoreline appear harsh.

Elsewhere, Taylor and Bailey gave Diggle's second side a 2-2 draw.