With little at stake on this game apart from local bragging rights, a crowd of over 200 enjoyed a decent afternoon of football but not a match that really set the Recreation Ground alight.
Sporting were already confirmed in third place in the league whilst Fairfield were certain of mid-table security. This was the fourth encounter between these two teams this season, with Sporting having a 2-1 advantage and from the outset the home side looked to be determined to equal things up.
Scott Gaffney and Lewis Smith made the Sporting defence work hard in the initial stages whilst Ryan Sproston did get the ball in the net only to be ruled offside.
It was Sporting though who took the lead on 22 minutes somewhat against the run of play when Jon Rogers made a run from the right into the Fairfield box only to be unceremoniously tripped by Chris Pratt. Joe Brookes easily converted, blasting past Marc Rogers into the roof of the net.
Fairfield were now well and truly fired up with Gaffney forcing Sporting 'keeper Tom Savage into two good saves whilst lively midfielder Martin Slevin unleashed a great shot from 20 yards just at the end of the first half that Savage again did well to keep out.
Kevin Banner came close just three minutes after the interval but Fairfield stopper Marc Rogers kept that one out. Sporting attempted to keep possession and patiently build up moves but that was difficult on an uneven pitch and against a Fairfield middle row whose tactics were to close down any opposition player with the ball.
However, it was Martin Slevin who was proving to be more than a handful for the away back four and just as it looked as though Sporting's slender lead would survive, the battling midfielder beat Aaron Roberts on he left and placed a well-struck shot from 15 yards under Tom Savage for a deserved equaliser, three minutes into added time.
It was not all over though, smelling blood Fairfield thought they could get the winner and with seconds remaining former Rover Steve Frost got on the end of a loose ball only to see it safely gathered by Savage.
Had this been a boxing match then Fairfield would have just got the bout on points but in the end both teams settled for a draw.
Fairfield: Marc Rogers, Ian Wroe, Chris Pratt, Andy Pike, Steve Frost (capt), Martin Slevin, Craig Cosgrove (Stephen Morgan 83 mins), Stephen McGlen, Scott Gaffney (Luke Chance 90 mins), Ryan Sproston, Lewis Smith.
Subs not used: Jak Albutt, Jamie Hatfield, Adam Pillinger.
Sporting: Tom Savage, Chris Bright (Nick Allen 57 mins), Aaron Roberts, Nick Martin, Mike Thurbon, Joe Brookes, Keith J Draper (John Evans 70 mins), James Turk, Chrisi Conway, Jon Rogers (capt), Kevin Banner (Peter Jenvey 75 mins).
Subs not used: Ryan Molesworth, Keelan McNally |