For the third week running, Elston United scored a last-minute equaliser to gain a hard-earned point against high-flying opposition. This week’s comeback draw was at Grantham Town Reserves who came into the game in second place in the league.

With only thirteen fit players available, the Elston players worked extremely hard to limit the hosts to just a handful of first-half chances. On the odd occasion when Grantham put in a cross, Elston’s keeper, Sam Adcock, was on hand to catch or punch the ball to safety. On the half-hour, however, did manage to score with a skilful bit of play down the right and cross to the far post that was headed back across goal and into the net by the Grantham striker.

Ten minutes later, Elston were back on level terms. Will Veys picked the pocket of the Grantham defender as the hosts tried to play from the back, before cutting inside to score from the edge of the box.

In the first 20 minutes of the second half, Grantham began to gain control of the game and had a couple of near-misses before the Grantham midfielder picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the left-hand corner of the goal.

Despite this setback, The Clams did not give up, even when injuries to James Smith, James Clarke and Will Veys meant that Elston played the final 15 minutes with just 10 players.

Even so, Elston continued to try and find an equaliser, with Tom Hazelwood and Toby Cullen having shots blocked and James Scott firing a free-kick narrowly over the bar. In the final minute of normal time, a Grantham handball on the half-way line gave Elston one last chance. Xander Millar sent the free-kick into the Grantham box where the ball was deflected by a defender into the path of James Scott who reacted quickly to head into the far corner of the goal to the delight of the visiting team and supporters.

Elston United: Sam Adcock, Tom Newbould, James Smith (Rui Thacker 65), Toby Craven, Xander Millar, Sam Lloyd, Toby Cullen, Thomas Hazelwood, James Scott, Will Veys (off injured 77), James Clarke (Adam Frear, 75). Sub not used: Harry Johnson