Steeple and Bassingbourn share spoils

Steeple Morden 2 Bassingbourn 2

TWO stunning second-half strikes from Martyn Lees looked to have given Steeple all three points in this competitive derby.

However, Bassingbourn hit back with an equaliser minutes from time.

Both teams went into the game in good form, but it was the visitors who settled the quickest taking the lead after only five minutes, following some uncharacteristically sloppy Steeple defending.

Bassingbourn edged the first half with Steeple's best chances falling to the Holt brothers. Dom dragged one effort wide when clear on goal, while Ben failed to lift the ball over the advancing keeper after being put through.

However, Steeple came out in the second half with renewed vigour, and were immediately on top and causing problems for the visitors.

Lawrence Harrison went agonisingly close from a Martin Holt free kick, before Dom Holt tested the Bassingbourn keeper with a couple of long-range efforts.

The visiting keeper was the busier of the two, and was well placed to save a fine volley from Martyn Lees moments later.

And it was Lees who got the deserved equaliser on the hour-mark, when Jamie Murphy beat his markers before finding Lees, who instantly controlled the ball and curled it superbly into the net from 20 yards.

Steeple then took the lead when Martin Holt whipped in a great cross, with Lees turning the ball home for his 10th goal of the season.

Ben Holt almost added a third when his rasping effort from 25 yards rattled the bar, following a powerful run from inside his own half.

Then with just three minutes on the clock ,Bassingbourn hit their opponents with a late leveller, breaking through and scrambling the ball over the line from close range.

Steeple manager Kenny Watters said: "We looked comfortable and were three minutes away from another three points, which would have put us fifth.

"Still, I'm proud of my players' effort, and the progress we have made in the last couple of months is clear to see.