CITY HAVE TO SETTLE FOR A SHARE OF THE SPOILS

CITY played out a 2-2 draw at Long Eaton United.
It was City who started the brighter of the two teams and Mark Danks went close in the opening exchanges.
Some sloppy defensive play almost presented our hosts with the opener, but Tom Palmer was alert to make the save.
As the home side got into their stride, Shaun Rickford had an effort well saved before a free-kick went close.
City did not heed the warnings and Long Eaton got their noses in front on 20 minutes through Zak Goodson.
We weren’t behind long, though, as Danks was able to capitalise upon some poor defensive play to find the net from close range.
There were good chances at either end in the wake of the goal with Danks and Albert going close for City.
On the stroke of half-time, Dave Reynolds saw his strike saved by the home ‘keeper as Long Eaton went straight up the other end and regained the lead as Goodson grabbed his second of the afternoon.
We came out with the bit between our teeth for the second half and we were denied an early penalty when Mark Smith’s goal-bound effort appeared to strike a hand inside the area. The referee was having none of it, though.
Our next raid saw George Forsyth go close before Danks hit the side-netting with a great chance.
There was an even more glaring miss soon afterwards when Danks’ effort was pushed out by the ‘keeper into the path of James Baldwin who blazed over from close range.
It was a let-off for the home side but their resistance was finally broken 20 minutes from time when Danks levelled matters.
It signalled a spell of pressure from City as we searched for the winner with Danks and Reynolds both causing all sorts of problems.
The home side’s cause was made worse by a red card as they battled for their lives to keep City at bay.
Tyler Weir was next to try his luck only for the ‘keeper to save well as we failed to find a way through.
It could have been worse as a rare foray forward from the hosts ended with them winning a free-kick in a promising position and as the ball was curled in dangerously, Rickford planted his header inches wide.
It would have been cruel on City had it gone in as we had to settle for a share of the spoils on a sunny and bright afternoon.