FLIXTON suffered their second successive league defeat after lowly Great Harwood Town created an upset at Valley Road.

The visitors made a quick start to the game and their slick passing football paid dividends after just 10 minutes, when Darren Rodgers capitalised on a defensive mistake to put them into the lead.

Flixton struggled to get a foothold in the game but as the game opened up, they eventually started to create some chances.

Bobby Harris in the Great Harwood goal was called into action twice in quick succession, first to deny a Martin McDonald header and then to tip over a Neil Hardy header that was bound for the top corner.

The home side continued to put pressure on the Great Harwood goal, but against the run of play the visitors broke away from inside their six-yard box.

Vasillis Theopanous found himself one-on-one with Andy Paxton in the Flixton goal and his low shot gave the keeper no chance.

Flixton were handed a lifeline after Ryan Fisher handled inside the box but Harris dived the right way and produced a fine save from Steve Tobin's spot kick.

After this setback, Flixton finally pulled a goal back in bizarre circumstances, when Leon Grandison's long throw-in bobbled about in the area, evading several players before ending up in the back of the net.

Sensing the chance to save a point, Flixton pushed forward and substitute Mike Turner thumped the ball against the bar with Harris stranded.

In the dying moments of the game, Dean Butterworth came close with a long range effort that flew just wide of the post but the home side were unable to salvage a draw.

On Saturday November 12, Flixton entertain Silsden in the second round of the League Challenge Cup, kick off 3pm.

The reserves are away at Wythenshawe Town in the second round of the Manchester Amateur Cup, kick off 1.30pm.