RallyNorth.net

Lizzy Gorman's goal in the second half gave Haverhill the lead, but it would not hold up at Tyngsboro came back for a 2-1 win. Beth Strong assisted on the lone Haverhill goal.

TYNGSBORO — For the second straight week, North Reading went down to the wire and prevailed for a pulsating victory.

Last week, it was an upset of Pentucket, who hadn't lost to the Hornets since 1997. Last night, it was Tyngsboro, which plays in the rugged Dual County League.

As far as second dates go, this was a bad one.

For the second straight year, Tyngsboro eliminated Cape Ann League champion North Reading in the Division 3 North title game.

Last year was a 2-0 squeaker. This one was a bludgeoning, a 16-2 decision that was over early in the 90-degree heat here at LeLacheur Park.

If stats and records indicate anything, last night's opening-round Division 4 North contest should have been a blowout.

However, in a game with a mere two lead changes, the battle between No. 3 Georgetown and Tyngsboro, which earned the 14th and last berth with a 5-15 record, was anything but a lopsided affair.

HAVERHILL | As Whittier players strolled out of the locker room after the game toward their cars yesterday afternoon, many stopped to take a long look at the scoreboard, where the score was still posted: Whittier 24, Tyngsboro 13.