A 100th minute equalising goal from Fairford Town’s Leighton Blacker meant that City had to settle for a point at Malvern Town’s HDAnywhere Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, after coming from 2-1 down in the second half to lead 3-2.

It was a blistering start to the game from City who went ahead inside a minute through Elliott Hartley, making his first start since 25th November. An error of judgement between Fairford keeper Mitchell and the centre half following Dylan Hart’s excellent flick on allowed Hartley to slip between them and round Mitchell, finishing into an empty net. It was a dream start for City at their new home for the week.

Despite the early set back Fairford heads didn’t drop, and following a looped ball into the box saw an effort cleared off the line expertly by Elliott Keightley, City having him to thank for keeping them in front.

Hart was also inches away himself from doubling City’s advantage when played in over the top by skipper Adam Mace. His first time flick past the onrushing Mitchell made it past the goalkeeper, but was cleared off the line by Rawlings. Minutes later, another fantastic ball by Mace over the top of the Fairford defence was brought down brilliantly by the head of Hartley, but he didn’t get quite enough on his lofted finish over Mitchell, and the keeper was able to greatfully catch the ball.

The equaliser came shortly before the half hour mark. A loose ball in midfield was picked up by Dan Hill, who stepping up from right back into midfield played a ball in behind for Jamal Lawrence. He made no mistake, sliding the ball into the bottom corner past Whitcombe, bringing the score level.

After a spell of Fairford pressure, which included Whitcombe being drawn into a smart save from Fairford skipper Lawrence, City nearly went ahead again through Belmonte. Another inviting delivery from Mace found Belmonte on the six yard box, but he powered his header off the crossbar and behind, meaning both sides went in level at the break.

Into the second half and Liam Lockett managed to create a brilliant chance for Hart in the opening minutes, but City’s number 9 could get enough on the cross to put it towards goal. It would be Fairford who would go ahead themselves for the first time in the match, through Jamal Lawrence again for his 19th goal in all competitions this season. Receiving the ball outside the box, he managed to find space after faking a shot on his right, bringing it back onto his left foot and curling a low shot into Whitcombe’s far post. A brilliant finish and City had work to do.

After falling behind, City didn’t have to wait too long to draw level, and it was Adam Mace the creator, just reward for the chances he’d already created in the game. His crossfield ball was inch perfect for Dylan Hart to run on to, bouncing up for a first touch with his head, before driving right footed into the back of the net for his third goal in the last three matches.

The tide looked to be turning City’s way from that point and they were awarded a penalty soon after. Following good work from Belmonte on the wing, lofting the ball over the left back and pulling the ball back into the box, an effort was first missed by Hart before the ball fell to Hartley. Taking a touch, he was bundled over by the Fairford defender and the referee didn’t hesitate in awarding the spot kick. After much debate and the Fairford defender receiving treatment, Belmonte stepped up and made no mistake, firing the ball into the bottom corner.

The points further felt secure when the referee elected to send off Fairford substitute McSharry after he’d allegedly kicked out at Hartley on the left wing. But after playing an additional 10 minutes of stoppage time, much to the surprise of almost everyone in the stadium, Fairford won a corner on the far side. This was delivered expertly into the box and found another Fairford substitute, Leighton Blacker, unmarked on the six yard box to head into the back of the City net, to the heartbreak of the home players and supporters.

The two dropped points see City go to second place in the league after Corsham’s win over Westfields, two points behind the leaders but now with four games in hand after the Boxing Day postponement. Fairford meanwhile remain in seventh place, seven points off the playoff spots but with two games in hand on Pershore Town in fifth.