TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men’s adventures in the rarified heights of the South Premier League’s top flight continued with an exciting draw in Oxfordshire.
The visitors started well and applied pressure on an organised side that press high up the pitch.
However, it was Banbury who took the lead with a drag-flicked corner which eluded James Harris in goal with its pace.
Wells soon found their feet and also the equaliser as Ben Allberry converted neatly from a slipped short corner move.
But the home side then scored a scrappy second when a short corner was not cleared, which was disappointing for Wells and gave the visitors the half-time lead.
The Wells forwards were linking well with Harry Roberts, Allberry and Sam Clarke-Knowles all looking dangerous, while Sam George terrorised the home team with his skill. Aaron Leadbetter and Connor Poulain were determined in defence.
They clawed themselves back into the game when Oli Woodcock tapped home to level the scores at 2-2.
The home side weren’t finished yet, and scored a third goal against the run of play from a short corner to edge ahead in the final 15 minutes.
Wells continued to show resilience and determination, and equalised when Woodcock and Simon Hare combined to win a short corner from which George fired home with precision after the initial shot had been saved.
Despite a late scare for the visitors, the teams could not be separated and Wells will consider this a well-earned point against an experienced and dogged opposition.
Tunbridge Wells Men entertain Bromley & Beckenham in the Kent derby at Tonbridge School this Saturday [October 27, 1,30pm start].
The 2nd and 3rd XIs each stay top of their leagues, winning 4-2 and drawing 3-3 respectively against Canterbury sides.
In East Region Division One South, Tunbridge Wells Ladies lost 2-1 to Upminster at Kent College.
