St Neots Town suffered last-gasp disappointment in the Southern League Premier Division Central yesterday.
Matt Clements’ men came within seconds of a welcome victory before having to settle for a 1-1 draw at Halesowen.
Saints hit the front through a fortunate Claudio Ofosu strike just before the hour – only their third goal in six matches so far this season – and held onto their advantage until the fifth minute of stoppage time when the hosts levelled.
Saints gave a debut to Gary Wharton, a former Hitchin and Dunstable frontman who has been out for a year with a serious knee injury.
St Ives Town were also left feeling frustrated yesterday after succumbing to home defeat at the hands of fellow high-flyers Coalville Town.
A rare error from goalkeeper Tim Trebes gifted the Leicestershire side the only goal at Westwood Road midway through the second half.
That was enough to settle a match of few chances in which Tom McGowan earned and then failed to take the hosts’ best chance early on.
St Ives were unable to manage a serious effort on target throughout a match in which they fielded a defence made up entirely of teenagers – Jack O’Connor, Joe Hood, Jarvis Wilson and Sam Cartwright - after Charlie De’Ath failed a late fitness test.
Godmanchester Rovers had to settle for a Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division point.
Ollie Drake’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by Kirkley & Pakefield at the David Wilson Homes Ground. Jack Chandler and Ross Munro hit the Rovers goals.
Two local teams suffered early exits from the FA Vase as Eynesbury Rovers and Huntingdon Town both fell to first qualifying round defeats
Rovers went down 3-1 at fellow Step 5 side Woodbridge Town with Craig Smith hitting a late consolation goal.
It was a second exit from a national competition in five days for Mark Ducket’s men who were dumped out of the FA Cup by Histon in a preliminary round replay on Tuesday.
Smith played in goal in that 3-1 defeat – just as he had done when their initial meeting ended in a 1-1 deadlock – but was restored to his regular striking role against Woodbridge with number one Aaron Butcher back from suspension.
Huntingdon were no match for higher-level Wroxham as they slipped to a 4-0 defeat at Jubilee Park.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here