Relegation fears increase for Ringmer
Ringmer AFC suffered a setback in their fight against relegation as they gained one point from two games against sides around them.
On Saturday, the Blues were forced to settle for a dramatic 3-3 draw against Dorking Wanderers Academy.
An intense game gave both teams several chances, with the Blues storming back from an early 1-0 deficit to lead 3-1 by the 65th minute.
However, a brilliant team effort could not prevent the points from being shared.
From kick-off, both sides competed strongly, showing plenty of aggressive pressing.
Dorking took the lead in the 7th minute, with Noah Moore's scintillating strike finding the top corner. After a tricky first 15 minutes, the Blues then made a tactical adjustment and responded well.
In the 25th minute, Rhys Taylor's free kick from the left met a bundle of bodies, and George Maybury got the vital contact to beat goalkeeper Adam Hassane and make it 1-1.
Just before half-time, the Blues showed their ruthless streak, with Taylor winning the ball off Wanderers skipper Albert Baker and sending it wide to Leon Turner. Turner weighted his pass to the far post superbly, and Blues debutant Jaydon Fuller converted to give the Blues the lead.
In the second half, there were fewer clear chances, but the drama reached new heights.
In the 62nd minute, Ringmer took advantage of a slip in the Wanderers backline as Taylor ran away and gave Hassane the eyes to score the Blues' third.
Tommy Haddon's side initially looked comfortable as 3-1 leaders, but a dogged Wanderers side refused to yield.
Dorking responded ten minutes later, with striker Miles Straker latching onto a bouncing ball to make it 3-2.
The Blues were on the back foot all of a sudden, but did their defensive jobs well until added time. In the 94th minute, however, Jacob Ashwood was caught tugging on Deniel Ando's arm, and Dillon Grass showed his cool from the penalty spot to split the points.
On Tuesday night, Ringmer suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat to relegation rivals Oakwood.
The Crawley side had reversed the fixture due to floodlight issues at their home ground, but the Blues could not take advantage as a 16th-minute Oakwood goal from a corner won the contest.