Thwaites earn draw as Hopwood upsets referee

Thwaites FC drew 3-3 with Acme yesterday in a game which was overshadowed by another show of Thwaites ill-discipline. The brewery team stormed into a two-nil lead thanks to goals from Simon Tipton and Mark Slater. However, Thwaites defending left a lot to be desired and some slanderous goalkeeping gifted Acme a lifeline as they pulled it back to 2-1 by the break. Acme soon equalised early on in the second half as Thwaites failed to clear. A dubious penalty was then awarded to the brewery side after the Acme goalkeeper was adjudged to have handled outside his area. Simon Tipton stepped up to take the penalty but missed and Acme cleared to prevent any chance of it being followed in on the rebound. The game then got out of hand with a series of crunching challenges. Midfielder Jamie Hopwood was cautioned by referee Ibby Mulla as he kicked out at an opponent. Then, Dominic Hopwood, Thwaites newest signing was decked by an Acme defender. Hopwood required treatment to a bruised knee and cut elbow. He was furious at the challenge and he squared up to the guilty player. Amazingly the Acme defender escaped any punishment from referee, Mulla who by this stage had infuriated every player on the pitch after a series of poor decisions. More drama was to follow as Acme then took the lead after some slack defending. Thwaites left it until three minutes before the end to level the scores. Mark Slater scoring an exquisite goal from long range. Then, Jamie Hopwood caught an Acme player as he bounded down on goal. The Acme player made a meal of it and appeared to dive. However, Hopwood, incensed by the dive was red-carded by Mulla. He faces disciplinary action and a suspension as when he was asked for his name he informed Mulla 'Mickey Mouse'. Mulla was clearly upset and he ordered Hopwood off the pitch and said it would not be last he heard of this. It is believed the Lancashire Football Association will get involved in the matter. The Brewery team, already down to six men following Hopwood's dismissal were soon down to five as Paul Slater, the Thwaites goalkeeper threw the ball away in anger after yet another poor decision handed Acme a free-kick just outside the box. It meant thirty seconds of mayhem as Thwaites prevented Acme grabbing a winner. Thwaites remain in seventh place, four points behind Punch Hotel with two games remaining. They take on league runners up New Gardners next week in their penultimate game of the season. Match Ratings P.Slater 3 - Some awful goalkeeping, handed Acme a lifetime just before half time. Deserved to be sent off as his temper got the better of him. D.Hopwood 5 - Defended quite well. However caught out at the back on occasions. Did well not to punch the Acme player who sent him flying. S.Tormay 6 - One of his better games. Some poor passing let him down J.Hopwood 5 - Faces a lengthy ban after his sending off which infuriated referee Mulla. Was it a sending off in the first place though? No wonder he lost his temper... M.Slater 6 - Scored a great goal to level the scores. However a below-par performance like the rest of the team. S.Tipton 5 - Skilful at times. Kept his head in a furious game. Has had much better games. D.Southworth 4 - Lost possession far too much. How many times did he hit the ball overhead height?? Picture: Mulla, upset by Hopwood