Two goals in injury time provided a thrilling end to an absorbing game. Lichfield, with a number of new players, were expected to be The Rouslers' most difficult opposition yet. This was how it turned out and, against a team including several players who have played at a much higher level, this is a point gained rather than two lost.
In the early stages the Rouslers dominated the midfield exchanges but it was Lichfield who were creating the better goal scoring opportunities, Bourne shooting over from a good position and McGettrick saving at his near post from Williams.
Nonetheless it was Sporting who took the lead after 17 minutes with a penalty scored by Jamie Rogers. Lichfield continued to threaten and might have levelled on the half hour when McGettrick flapped at a long throw and both Onions and Dan Mason had shots blocked.
After Sporting had had a couple of speculative attempts on goal through Harris and Barnes the visitors equalised on 40 minutes. Onions' twenty-yard shot was parried by McGettrick and the ball fell to Dan Mason who scored. The goal had been threatened and was no more than Lichfield deserved. As half time approached they were taking a firm grip on the game and should have gone in front on 44 minutes when a whipped cross from the left was headed just wide by goal scorer Mason.
Lichfield continued to dominate in the early stages of the second half. On 50 minutes Williams sprinted clear of the Sporting defence but his shot was saved by McGettrick at point blank range, the follow up going wide. The Rouslers were getting forward at every opportunity but hesitation and a poor final ball meant that clear-cut chances were few. Barnes and Wilkes were finding it hard to escape the shackles of the Lichfield back four.
On the hour Banbury should have put Lichfield in front but headed wide from a free kick. McGettrick saved from Mason while Lawson shot just over after a long throw had caused confusion in the Sporting penalty area.
On 85 minutes Lawson was sent off following an off-the-ball incident. He was clearly unhappy with the decision and was involved in a heated exchange with the Sporting bench as he went off. Sporting were unable to make the numerical advantage count and in the third minute of added time a ball over the top released Williams who finished well from close range. This sparked scenes of wild celebration among the visiting players and staff, itself a sign of how much a win over Sporting meant.
There was time for one final Sporting attack. The ball was played up into the six-yard box and Sean Westley rose to head the ball into his own net for the equaliser, with barely enough time left for the game to restart.
Sporting were playing the best team they have faced this season and deserved the draw for their spirit and determination. This gripping game will live long in the memory.
Sporting: Jim McGettrick, Chris Bright (Ryan Molesworth 65 mins), Gareth Rogers, Nick Allen, Neil Cooksey, Nick Harris, Joe Brooks, Jamie Rogers, Odane Barnes, Dan Wilkes, Zac Blood.
Subs Not Used: Jamie McKeon, Shaun Maynard, Jordan Siviter, Shaun May
Scorers: Jamie Rogers (18, pen), Sean Westley (o.g. 90+5 mins)
Yellow Cards: None
Lichfield: Daniel Edwards, Dan W. Mason, Jason Fardoe, Ross Adams, Sean Westley, Stuart Hamilton, Lewis Bourne (Sam Geffen 76 mins), Lee Onions, Josh Bambury (James Lawson 62 mins), Sean Williams, Dan Mason (Liam Holt 46 mins)
Subs not used: Zak Marriott, Sam Russan |