Fire and Lightning on Sunday ends in a tie

Warwick - The first-place Warwick Fire remained undefeated through four games following Sunday’s 1-1 tie with the second-place Hyde Park Lightning. The game lived up to expectations. Hyde Park played a tough, physical game on their home field that the Fire found difficult to contain in the early stages. For the first quarter of an hour, Hyde Park worked hard to establish control and an early lead. But Warwick’s defense, lead by Brian McGovern, held firm. Defenders Ryan Brack, Conner Reynolds and Ryan Stirt, together with goalie Matt Unick, fought off the opposing team time and time again. As the half progressed, the Fire began to claim more of the ball and during a fast break from defense, midfielder Dylan Flanders slid the ball through the Lightning defensive line to forward Ryan Killeen. Killeen held off two strong challenges and fired the ball past the Lightning goalie for the first goal of the match. The second half developed into a midfield dual with neither team dominating the play. Both teams had chances, but the game looked to be a fourth consecutive win for the Fire. However, a scramble for the ball in front of the Fire goal late in the second half allowed the Lightning to poke the ball into the net to the delight and relief of the Lightning supporters. The game finished a hard fought 1-1 tie, leaving the Fire still undefeated and leading the division over the Lightning by three points. The Fire plays again at noon next Sunday at home against the Highland Scorpions.