LATE LEVELLER DENIES CITY ALL THREE POINTS

CITY had to settle for a share of the spoils as a late leveller saw us draw 2-2 at AFC Wulfrunians on a chilly evening.
We came out of the blocks in positive fashion, forcing a corner within the opening minutes that caused problems before taking a third minute lead when Brad Birch headed the ball into the danger zone and in attempting to clear, a home defender deflected the ball into his own net.
It was City who were looking the most likely side early on, restricting our hosts to half-chances.
We almost doubled our advantage when Birch’s strike beat the ‘keeper but hit the woodwork and deflected away from goal.
The second goal duly arrived on 21 minutes when Alex Tomkinson did well out wide and his cross found the lively Birch who was able fire home.
We thoroughly deserved our two-goal advantage and it was almost extended further when Mark Smith’s towering header struck the crossbar following another teasing corner.
As the half went on, Dave Reynolds tried his luck but his effort was straight at the ‘keeper, whilst Tomkinson’s acrobatic attempt was well kept out on the stroke of half-time.
The second period started with Reynolds flagged for offside as he broke through and we were left to rue the decision when the home side pulled a goal back with a rather fortunate cross-come-shot that found its way into the net from distance.
It gave the home side fresh belief and Nathan Vaughan had to be alert to save soon afterwards.
As the clock ticked down, it looked as though we had done enough to protect our lead and take home all three points, however, there was to be a sting in the tail when in stoppage time at the end, City switched off and it allowed the home side to break through and level the scores.
The equaliser came too late for City to respond and we had to settle for a point.

CITY: Vaughan, Weir (Danks), J. Smith, M. Smith, Thomas, Hayward, Forsyth, Birch, Baldwin (Moran), Reynolds, Tomkinson. Subs not used: Gwynne, Harris-James, Harper.
GOAL(S): OG, Birch.