Winchester goalkeeper scores injury-time equaliser

Winchester City snatched a point against Poole Town on Tuesday night after some unbelievable stoppage-time drama.

After Saturday’s resounding FA Trophy win over Swindon Supermarine, the Citizens returned to league action looking to get some much-needed points on the board.

Visitors Poole came into the game having been beaten on penalties in their FA Trophy tie against Gosport Borough.

The Charters Community Stadium had been battered by torrential rain throughout the day; were it not for Winchester’s brand new all-weather pitch, the game would have almost certainly been postponed.

The two sides had their fair share of opportunities in the early stages – both Ik Hill and Trevor Caborn had chances to give Winchester the lead, while Poole’s Rafa Ramos saw his effort go just wide of the post.

The hosts would have another opening shortly before the half-hour mark.

A shot from Caborn was palmed away by Cam Plain with the rebound falling perfectly for Tommy Wright, whose effort was blocked.

City goalkeeper Luke Cairney was called into action on 35 minutes, a header from Jake McCarthy forcing him into a fine save down to his left.

Winchester came out flying at the start of the second half, an excellent strike from Hill on the half-volley was stopped by an equally good save from Plain.

The Poole goalkeeper was on hand again shortly after to deny a powerful effort from Dan Jones.

It was the woodwork that came to Poole’s rescue on 62 minutes when a close range shot from Wright smacked off the inside of the post.

Fans inside the stadium were left wondering how on earth the game was still goalless.

But just three minutes later the deadlock was finally broken and it was the visitors that broke it, very much against the run of play.

A lovely through ball was met by Antonio Dias, whose tidy finished sparked pandemonium in the away end.

City continued to apply pressure to the Poole goal, with Jones and Wright both going close.

But that all-elusive goal just wouldn’t come, and as the clocked ticked over 90 minutes it looked as though Craig Davis’ men would be going home empty handed.

Late penalty

However, in the dying seconds of injury time, Poole captain Jamie Whisken was adjudged to have fouled Caborn inside the penalty area, and Winchester were given a spot-kick.

Up stepped goalkeeper Luke Cairney, aiming to strike a bitter blow against his former club.

The City number one smashed his penalty down the middle, with his opposite number getting a strong hand on it.

But Plain wasn’t quite able to prevent the ball trickling over the goal line, and after a brief pause the goal was awarded.

Cue wild celebrations among the home contingent.

The final whistle was blown almost immediately after the restart, and both sides had to settle for a point.

Nevertheless, those hardy souls who braved the appalling weather were rewarded with an excellent game of football.

Winchester will look to get back to winning ways at the weekend when they host mid-table Hungerford Town.