SAUNDERSFOOT SPORTS II 1 JOHNSTON II 1
A draw proved a fair result in this closely contested Division Four match, played in very muddy conditions.
It was the visitors who found their feet first, though, when Ashley Sheehan fired in a fine half-volley from the edge of the box.
Sports sprung into life soon after when Paul Evans headed goalwards from an Iân Morris cross, only for the 'keeper to get down well.
Moments later, it was another cross that made the equaliser, this time Carl Wainwright the provider, with captain Morris sneaking in on the back post to nod in.
Back level, Sports now looked more of a threat and Richard Rossiter was unlucky not to put them in front, seeing his effort strike the bar, while at the other end, Johnston had a strike of their own crash against the bar.
Sports were given an uphill task for the rest of the match, when the referee inexplicably sent off centre back Mike Cornick for questioning a decision.
Thereafter, the second half became an even scrappier affair, with the pitch cutting up so much that Sports were unable to get their passing game going, while Johnston tested 'keeper Scott Davidson with a few long range sighters.
Sports thought they had won the game when a forceful run from Wainwright saw his shot saved by the 'keeper and turned into the path of Rossiter who tapped home, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.