St Neots Town are fast becoming the draw specialists of the Southern League Premier Division – following a sixth stalemate in their last nine league matches.
Matt Clements’ side were involved in a 1-1 deadlock at Banbury United yesterday – their eighth draw of the campaign in all – when levelling thanks to their new leading scorer.
Dylan Williams climbed to the top of Saints’ goal charts with his eighth strike of the campaign which restored parity in the ninth minute of the second half.
“We played really well,” said boss Clements. “We could have won based on the chances we created, but it was probably a fair result overall.
“Obviously we always want to win football matches, but we’re now picking up draws in games that may well have been losses earlier in the season.
“Each positive result is a step in the right direction and I was entertained by what my team produced.”
Saints were fortunate not to fall behind early on when Banbury frontman Jefferson Louis steered a header wide after being left unmarked.
They did find themselves trailing just after the half-hour mark when Connor McDonagh guided a cool finish past goalkeeper Mikey Emery.
And only the woodwork prevented the deficit from growing as Louis thumped a shot against the crossbar on the stroke of half-time.
Saints were second-best for much of the opening period, but returned a much-improved side after the interval.
Dion Sembie-Ferris squandered an excellent chance when firing a Williams cross straight at goalkeeper Jack Harding. He also saw another effort blocked before a Williams penalty appeal was ignored by the referee.
But the same player was soon able to celebrate when driving in a smart finish after a long Johnny Herd throw had caused problems for the Banbury defence.
A terrific goal-line clearance from Taylor Parr – to deny Banbury goalscorer McDonagh with 20 minutes to go – and a stunning late save from Emery – to keep out Louis in the closing stages – ensured the sides remained level.
Saints’ best chance to win the game also fell to Parr, but his header from another monster Herd throw was acrobatically saved by Harding.
Clements’ side sit in 11th spot in the Premier Division standings after also being involved in a midweek deadlock. They drew 0-0 at home to Biggleswade Town in an A1 derby date last Tuesday.
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