(Wessex League Division 1)

Spurs gained a point against high-flying US Portsmouth in a thrilling game after a remarkable last-ditch rally at the Victory Stadium.

USP started much the stronger and quicker on the ball, looking dangerous whenever they attacked as they tested Spurs’ defence with quick crosses into the box.  It was no surprise when they took the lead after 15 minutes after Ben Edwards had slipped on the wet surface and Peter Lines made no mistake, slotting the ball past the helpless Jonathan Sheppard.  Just before half-time, Ed Richardson lobbed Sheppard from just outside the box, the ball hitting crossbar and post before nestling in the corner of the net.

After the break, play was fairly even, though United Services were still creating the better chances.  However, quarter of an hour from the end, Ben Edwards reduced the arrears with a fine low shot from 30 yards into the corner of the net.  This was Spurs’ first meaningful shot of the game.  Hope of a Spurs fight-back seemed to have disappeared five minutes later when Lines bamboozled the defence and scored with a low shot.  However, Spurs fought back with indomitable spirit, and five minutes from the end Edwards notched his second with a glancing header from a free-kick.  Then in stoppage time, Ben Sleet headed home an inswinging corner from Tom Chillery, which led to scenes of jubilation from Spurs’ players and their small band of supporters.

This was a fine never-say-die performance by Spurs against a team that was superior for most of the game.  It extended their unbeaten run to five games, including three against teams in the top seven in the league.

Despite their battling performance, Spurs drop to 17th position in the league, but with games in hand against all the sides around them.  They entertain mid-table Ringwood Town at Southwood on Saturday – kick-off 3.00.

In the only other Spurs’ game of the weekend, the Vets beat Lindford Reserves 5-1 in Aldershot League Division 3.  Roger Farmiloe and Richard Swannell each scored a brace, the fifth goal coming from Martin Ball.