Halesowen Town 1 Farnborough 1 (From Halesowen News)

Halesowen Town 1 Farnborough 1

5:18pm Sunday 24th January 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Halesowen Town were forced to settle for a point after being thwarted by a stubborn display from ten man Farnborough.

The visitors saw skipper Stephen Robinson sent off in just the second minute for hauling down Simon Johnson but took the lead when Bradley Bubb nodded home.

Johnson levelled matters for the home side when he prodded home after Stuart Robinson had saved brilliantly from Alex Cowley.

The Yeltz dominated possession in the second half but were unable to find their way past a resolute Farnborough back line.

This was just the second time the runaway league leaders had dropped points on their travels this term and the draw may well prove a valuable one come the end of the season.

But there was still a sense of frustration at the Grove after Halesowen had been given the best possible start with Robinson’s early dismissal.

Supporters were still filtering through the turnstiles when a long ball saw Johnson get clear of Robinson, who cynically pulled down the striker on the edge of the box. The referee wasted no time in producing the red card and Farnborough were also forced into a tactical switch with dangerous striker Deon McDonald for defender Owen Price.

Fans favourite Alex Cowley was making his third debut for the Yeltz and impressed on the right wing, combining well with Craig Connor to present skipper Scott Rickards with the best opening of the early exchanges.

But the unlucky Rickards trod on the ball just eight yards from goal and the chance went begging.

Stefan Moore shot wide before Farnborough fired a warning shot of their own, Yeltz keeper Nick Bussey doing brilliantly to tip Kezie Ibe’s volley onto the post.

Boro went into the game 14 points clear at the top of the table and showed just why this is when they took the lead on 29 minutes, the Yeltz defence switching off and allowing Bubb to nod home unmarked at the back post.

But the Yeltz hit back quickly, as Edwards cross was flicked on to Cowley at the far post.

The wideman’s volley was acrobatically kept out by Robinson, before Cowley used his outstretched leg to prod the ball back to Johnson who slotted home from ten yards out as the sides went in level at the break.

The second period saw the Yeltz exert plenty of pressure on the Farnborough goal without creating too many clear cut chances.

Johnson spurned a great opportunity when he shot wide of the near post after smartly evading a challenge in the box.

The striker also saw an effort ruled out for offside while the visitors dealt well with a number of high balls into the box.

David Blenkinsopp replaced Rickards with 20 minutes to go as the Yeltz continued to push but Farnborough held firm.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)