St Ives Town left it late to grab a winner against one set of Canaries in their last home game, and they left it even later to claim a point versus another group of Canaries. 

Captain Michael Richens’ 97th-minute wonder strike from 30 yards earned a point against Barwell on February 25, having headed home a late home winner against Hitchin Town three weeks earlier. 

It was a strike that anyone who left a little early to try and beat the traffic down Westwood Road will be hugely disappointed that they missed. 

A tame first half saw the visitors enjoy most of possession without testing goalkeeper James Goff, recalled ahead of the injured James Dadge, in this Southern League Premier Division Central clash. 

Ives went closest in the first 45 minutes when Jonny Edwards rose unchallenged to power a header which rebounded over the crossbar at Quattro-Tech Westwood Road. 

Barwell edged in front early in the second half when Beck-Ray Enoru fed in Brady Hickey who slammed his shot against the woodwork from inside the penalty box, before Connor Taylor dived in to head home. 

The Hunts Post: St Ives Town in action against Barwell in the Southern League Premier Division Central.St Ives Town in action against Barwell in the Southern League Premier Division Central. (Image: Louise Thompson)

The hosts began to apply pressure against a dogged Canaries defence, and saw Enoch Andoh’s goal disallowed on 84 minutes. 

Substitute Ethan Johnston was denied by goalkeeper Andy Wycherley four minutes into added time for Ives, who were enthused with six extra minutes to play at the end of the game. 

And a further added minute was long enough for skipper Richens to send a swerving strike from distance out of Wycherley’s reach and in off the post. 

St Ives go to Basford United on March 4, 3pm. 

St Ives Town: Goff, Casey, Herd, Richens (C), Williams, Toseland, Higgs (sub Andoh, 63’), Hottor (sub Hickinson, 63’), J. Edwards, Cowling (sub Johnston, 86’), Baker.

Unused sub: Kaziboni.