Bosham held - but have Reason to be grateful

Matches between the two have always produced goals and more of the same was expected on a beautiful sunny day.

The Blues soon had a nervy Robins side on the back foot. Tom Deeveson looked sharp up front and his pace was a telling factor throughout the game.

Rafael Grant was looking to make an impact as he tries to cement a first-team birth on a regular basis for Bosham.

The number of chances picked up but neither keeper was tested, leaving both managers frustrated.

But the half did draw to a close with a goal - a thunderbolt free-kick from Marco Giambelardini which gave keeper Jason King no chance.

In the second period, the Blues pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Deeveson was a constant menace and saw a close-range header well-saved by Simon Hasted.

Marc Maunder should have doubled the Reds’ lead after being put through on goal but the midfielder shot wide from a tight angle after showing skill to round King.

Bosham were made to pay for missed chances when Deeveson got his name on the scoresheet just after the hour.

The striker surged through on goal and, with great calmness, slotted the ball under onrushing Hasted to level.

Both sides went in search of a winner and Dominic Reason went close to a dramatic winner for the Blues with only minutes left, but blasted wide when a little composure may have bought a different result. It was an enjoyable game but the stalemate suited the Blues more than it did the Reds.

BOSHAM: Hasted, Jack Hancock, Blanshard, Brett, Giambelardini, Maunder, Joe Hancock, Hartley, Grant, Smith, Probee. Subs: Ash, Redman, Fewell, Dean.

ALAN PRICE