Mykel Beckley nets for Romulus in draw at Loughborough

Sep 8 2010 by Colin Stoner, Birmingham Mail

ONLY a late goal denied Romulus the perfect response to their weekend hammering as they drew 1-1 at Loughborough Dynamo last night.

The depleted Roms had been beaten 5-0 on Saturday by Goole AFC but they seemed on course for their first win of the Evo-Stik Division One South season when they took the lead on the stroke of half-time at Nanpantan Sports Ground.

James Pugh threaded a through-ball into the path of Mykel Beckley and the forward beat his marker and cut in from the left to fire into the net.

But Loughborough pegged back the visitors with nine minutes left when Luke Edwards scored.

Rushall Olympic’s roller-coaster start to the new campaign continued with a 5-2 defeat at early-season pacesetters Newcastle Town.

Summer signing Craig Bannister netted twice for the Pics, taking the former Bloxwich United striker’s tally to five in three games.

Bannister converted a 30th-minute penalty to cancel out Michael Douglas’ opener on 15 minutes.

But Matthew Bell restored the hosts’ lead before half-time and then Newcastle, who are unbeaten, moved 4-1 ahead with further goals from Jordan Johnson and Michael Martin.

Though Bannister replied with 14 minutes left, Martin added his second of the net to end any comeback hopes.

n TAMWORTH have extended the loan of goalkeeper Ross Atkins into the New Year.

Derby County have allowed the stopper, who joined the Lambs on the eve of the season for an initial month, to remain with Gary Mills’ Blue Square Bet Premier Division squad until January 8, 2011.

Derby, however, have a 24-hour recall clause in the agreement.

n STOURBRIDGE are optimistic they will see skipper Sam Smith back in Zamaretto League Premier Division action before the end of the month.

The defender has not played since damaging his cruciate ligaments in February.

But Glassboys manager Gary Hackett says the former Chasetown player is getting ever closer to his comeback.

“Hopefully Sam will be able to feature on the bench in the next two to three weeks and we can take it from there,” added Hackett.

“He’s working to get back fit.”