Steeple Morden 1 Harston 1987 1 A LAST-gasp strike from Dom Holt gave Steeple Morden a share of the points in a hard-fought draw with Harston. As ever the match was keenly contested and despite their lowly league position, it was clear from the outset t

Steeple Morden 1 Harston 1987 1

A LAST-gasp strike from Dom Holt gave Steeple Morden a share of the points in a hard-fought draw with Harston.

As ever the match was keenly contested and despite their lowly league position, it was clear from the outset that the visitors were prepared for the battle.

And having the wind in their favour, it didn't seem to any good for the hosts who struggled to get the ball to their wide men and create chances.

Dom Holt did flash a couple of headers close to the target, while Martyn Lees dragged a low effort wide of the Harston goal.

But it was the away side that broke the deadlock with five minutes of the first half remaining.

Fortunately for Steeple the game opened up for them after the break, with the introduction of youngster Dom Oxenford giving the hosts a much-needed lift.

Jason Clark quickly played in Dom Holt, however he failed to convert despite rounding the Harston keeper, before Lees wasted a similar opportunity.

Steeple skipper Charlie Prothero then rattled the bar with a brilliant half volley, while Oxenford just missed the target following his intelligent header.

And the home side's frustrations grew when the Harston keeper pulled off a fine stop to deny Dom Holt's fearsome drive.

In a final gamble, manager Kenny Watters changed to a back three and introduced veteran striker Karl Parr.

Then with 89 minutes on the clock, Lees knocked a ball into Parr whose shot on the turn was blocked, but Dom Holt was in the right place to smash home the equaliser.

Watters said: "It seemed more like a point gained rather than two lost. Most of my team know they can play better than that, although Charlie Prothero was fantastic, and young Dom Oxenford made an encouraging debut."

Steeple Morden: Smith; M Holt, Hutley, Donald, Collins; B Holt, Murphy, Prothero, Clark; D Holt, Lees. (Subs): Parr, Oxenford.

Melbourn Res 3 Steeple Morden 3

IN an entertaining encounter Melbourn and Steeple Morden had to settle for a share of the spoils in a keenly-contested game on Saturday.

And after getting off to a great start the visitors were unlucky not to open the scoring with Sam Gilley twice being denied by some great Melbourn defending.

However, it was the hosts that broke the deadlock following a slice of good fortune, with their central midfielder striking from 20 yards. Steeple keeper Tim Tidey had the shot well covered, but the ball hit a rut in the ground and deflected high into the net.

Parity was restored shortly after, when following a Steeple free kick Gilley pounced on the loose ball and made no mistake with a confident strike from close range.

With their confidence back, the visitors took the lead moments later following another free kick. With the Melbourn defence failing to clear their lines, Paul Geraghty lifted the ball over the hosts' goalkeeper with the ball nestling into the back of the net.

Melbourn responded with an equaliser just before half time though, when another long range effort deceived Steeple's Tidey.

The second half opened with another Melbourn goal, but Steeple were back on level terms following some impressive resilience. Man-of-the-match Mike Dix levelled for the visitors with a powerful rifled shot that left the Melbourn number one stranded.

Steeple Morden: Tidey; Little, Jarman, Robson, Smith; Morris, Dix, Geraghty, Pennell; Gilley, Thorp. (Subs): Gates, Carlton, Alexander.