Steeple Morden Reserves 4 City Life Reserves 4 BIS League Division 5B STEEPLE Morden Reserves secured a well deserved point in an eight goal thriller against high flying City Life. Neither team had played for over a month but the game was played at a go

Steeple Morden Reserves 4 City Life Reserves 4

BIS League Division 5B

STEEPLE Morden Reserves secured a well deserved point in an eight goal thriller against high flying City Life.

Neither team had played for over a month but the game was played at a good tempo on a heavy pitch.

The visitors took the lead early on when slack marking allowed a shot from the edge of the box which flew in, but some good play by Dom Holt created the equaliser on 20 minutes when his cross was guided home from 10 yards by veteran striker Karl Parr for his second goal in two games.

The strike pairing combined to set up the second as Parr rose highest from a well delivered Holt corner and youngster Cameron Taylor glanced it in from close range.

City drew level shortly after when they once again took advantage of space on the edge of the box to drill home but with Damien Pennell probing and Nick Carlton battling hard in the middle of the park Steeple were a little unfortunate to be only level at the interval.

Third placed City were stronger in the second half and took the lead when 'keeper Poulter picked up a back pass and was helpless to prevent the quickly taken free-kick.

Impressive young defender Ash Huseyin made two crucial interceptions to keep Steeple in contention but he and defensive partner Martin Donald could do nothing to stop the breakaway fourth for City.

Steeple refused to give in and reduced the deficit when a Darren Neaves shot was saved by the 'keeper but turned in for an own goal by the centre-half under heavy pressure from Karl Parr.

With only moments remaining Steeple got a deserved equaliser when the hard working Neaves got on the end of a sublime cross from the dangerous Mark Poulter.

Skipper Kieran Smith was delighted with the commitment shown and manager Andy Smith said: "The team showed some real spirit and were a real match for a team who are third and pushing for promotion."

Steeple will be looking for continued improvement and to avenge a recent defeat when they visit local rivals Great Chishill Reserves on Saturday.

Steeple Morden Reserves: C Poulter, Smith, Huseyin, Donald, M Poulter, Neaves, Carlton, Pennell (Hutley), Taylor (Geraghty), D Holt, Parr (T Holt).