GOALKEEPER Dean Oram injured himself in his efforts to ensure Flixton FC did not start the season with a defeat.

Oram made a string of saves to deny Nantwich Town and one was made so near to a goalpost that he collided with it and was left somewhat dazed.

Flixton's return after three years to the North West Counties Football League began with a difficult opening away fixture.

After early morning showers the afternoon turned out to be a lovely warm sunny day, which players from both sides had to endure.

Both clubs fielded teams which differed greatly from last season.

Flixton's side, wearing a new strip, comprised players which had enjoyed each others company for the last five friendly matches.

Nantwich Town, having lost several players to neighbours Kidsgrove Athletic during the close season had seven new players U20.

Despite their inexperience, the home side went into this first league match full of confidence after a successful 2-2 mid week result against Unibond League side Chorley, who may become Flixton's opponents in the FA Cup if results go the right way.

Flixton FC in contrast were a little nervous, as this is always a difficult venue, especially with it being the first fixture.

The game had a shaky start settling down to some early openstyle football played on the floor and moved between players well.

After 12 minutes the first goal scoring chance came and went. The players seemed to fear defeat and signs of tension followed as nobody wanted to loose.

The game became very scrappy, the midfielders and defences of both sides allowing the strikers plenty of opportunities, which they failed to take.

Nantwich had a spell midway through the first 45 minutes, where they penetrated both Flixton's wing back positions, being given acres of room due to poor marking.

This put pressure on central defenders Mark Dewar and David Dale, who could not always hold the attacks, but Nantwich were thwarted time and time again, by some outstanding saves from goalkeeper Dean Oram.

At the other end Flixton's strikers faired no better as Micky Beirne and four goal hero of two weeks ago, Desmond Rooms missed a number of chances, some on one with only Nantwich's goal keeping rearguard to overcome.

In the second on 53 minutes Flixton gave a debut to former Blackpool youth player, Gavin Ellison, who added height and strength to the mid-field, replacing Deano Shaw.

Shortly afterwards Manager Kevin Aston moved Martin Ivison to right back in place of Martin Everett, who was struggling with the pace of the game and introduced Paul Jones as the right sided striker to develop pace and penetration in that area.

As Nantwich began to tire with about 15 minutes to go Flixton were able to create more opportunities, but continued poor finishing, coupled with forward balls being played in the air instead of to Micky Beirne and Desmond Rooms feet made it difficult to convert these in to goals as the game finished 0-0.

Manager Kevin Aston said his team lacked the desire to work hard to achieve a win.

He felt we were capable of taking all three had the players used their ability.

Flixton came home with an away point, mainly due to goal keeper Dean Oram and defender Mark Dewar, who were both outstanding.

Fixtures: Tuesday 22nd August, Abbey Hey (H) KO 7.45pm; Saturday 26th August, Prescot Cables (H) KO 3pm; Monday 28th August, St Helens Town (H) KO 3pm.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.