Spirited Stratton get a draw

A performance full of desire and spirit saw Long Stratton gain a valuable point and clean sheet against leaders Kirkley and Pakefield Reserves.For large parts of the game Stratton looked much the better side and came close on a number of occasions to grabbing a winner.

A performance full of desire and spirit saw Long Stratton gain a valuable point and clean sheet against leaders Kirkley and Pakefield Reserves.

For large parts of the game Stratton looked much the better side and came close on a number of occasions to grabbing a winner. With injuries still affecting the squad.

Ian Wilson, Simon Hilton and Danny Larter were called up and new signing Ian Duerdan started up front, this all added up to give the side a fresh impetus and the title-chasing visitors knew they were in the game from the very first few minutes when Duerdan nearly opened the scoring for the Reds.

Shaun Moss was always a threat on the break for Stratton but it remained 0-0 into the second period where the game really burst into life.

First Stratton were denied what seemed a clear penalty through a hand-ball and then full-back Hilton's shot from close-range was charged down on the line with the Bayspole Road stand claiming the ball was over the line.

The visitors were hanging on now and a bursting run from Stephen Blunt saw him taken down right on the edge of the area, the free-kick came to nothing but just a few minutes later the Reds' constant pressure saw them rewarded with a penalty.

Substitute Darren Fowles saw his spot-kick saved low to the keeper's right and the visitors breathed a huge sigh of relief.

At the other end K&P thought they snatched a late winner but their effort was ruled out by the linesman's flag.

The final whistle blew, signalling a vital point for Stratton but so impressive was the performance that a point was the least they deserved.

Stratton Motor Company man of the match was shared between Ian Wilson and Jimmy Dale.

Final score: Long Stratton 0, Kirkley & Pakefield Res 0.