Golds snatch a draw in injury-time

Golds led 2-0 through Jason Jarvis’ excellent finish on 45 minutes and Mark Burgess’ header 10 minutes into the second period to seemingly put them in control.

Stafford Browne untidily bundled in to make it 2-1 on the hour mark, and Lawrence Edwards levelled with a curling finish 10 minutes later.

James Rhodes completed the second-placed team’s comeback to leave Golds heading for defeat, but they were handed a lifeline two minutes into injury-time when Ross McKay was tripped in the penalty area. Although O’Hagan’s initial effort was saved, he reacted quickest to put in the rebound.

Suter said: “A draw was fair, it was a rollercoaster game and good entertainment.

“I see it as a point gained for us, as they’ve got good players and look good for promotion.

“Our first goal was excellent, a classic counter-attack, and although they hit back and it looked like we’d lost it at 3-2, we gave 100 per cent and it was pleasing to nick a point late on.

“It was a seesaw game on a difficult pitch, but a draw was the right result. We worked hard and gave everything, and that’s all you can ask for.

“We showed character against a good side and, although I could be saying we should have won, I’m happy with a point.

“Losing Matt Russell to injury is a blow, though, as he’s only just come back and is such an important player for us.”

LITTLEHAMPTON: Banasco-Zaragoza; Goff, McKay, Hazell, Wollers; Peacock, O’Hagan, Russell, Burgess; Stocker, Jarvis. Subs: Beadle (Russell 25), Gaskin (Stocker 80), Tabor.