Town travelled to near neighbours Haydock FC in a fixture that some fans had dubbed the 'Coal Firm' derby. Chances were and far between early on despite Town dominating field position and possession. The deadline was broken on 39 minutes when outstanding centre back Chris Foster fired in a 25 yard free kick after Charlie Simpson had been fouled reducing Haydock to 10 men. As is often the case when a man down, the 'Yickers' rallied and stoutly held Town at bay for the remainder of the game. Town's closest chance to a second came when Liam Diggle rattled the Haydock bar. In the last minute an outstanding Kelly cross was met with a bullet header from Nathan Ashcroft to equalise for Haydock and dent Town's hopes for a 4th win this season. Outstanding for Town was right back Alex Petterson who has come back from a long term knee injury this season.