The Leopards returned to a soggy Borstal as they welcomed Sheppey United.

The hosts were missing Zach, Callum & Benni, while Jack & Joseph returned to the squad.

The Leopards struggled to find their rhythm on a slippery surface, while the visitors started the first half on top.

The visitors went close to taking the lead as they got in down the left and pulled the ball across goal leaving just a tap in, but a combination of Peter, Josh & Joseph managed to block multiple shots when a goal looked inevitable.

Sheppey then were awarded a penalty as Peter was adjudged to have fouled their forward. But Tommy leapt to his right to save the penalty and keep the Leopards level.

Phillip then twice went close as he beat his defender, first firing just wide of the far post before firing straight at the keeper.

Into the Second Half and the boys were told they needed to improve if they wanted a result. That team talk didn’t work as within a minute the visitors were ahead as there midfielder found the corner from the edge of the box.

The visitors continued to have the upper hand and doubled their advantage, as they broke through the middle and although Tommy saved the first effort, the forward tucked away the rebound, despite Brick’s best efforts.

With 20 minutes left, the Leopards got themselves back in the game with an great goal. Some excellent football involving David, Joe & Ben, got the ball into Paul he held it up before playing into Jack’s path in on goal. He advanced before firing in off the crossbar (just!) from close range!

The Leopards now had the momentum, and with 2 minutes left on the clock, they pulled level. As following a scramble, Paul put the ball back into the danger area and Phillip latched onto the loose ball to poke home.

Then 3 minutes into injury time the Leopards went ahead! From Jack’s throw, Ben flicked it on and Joe latched onto the loose ball on the edge of the box and swept the ball towards goal with his right foot (yes, his right foot!) and into the bottom corner!!!

There was still time for more drama, as Sheppey chucked everything, including their keeper into the box for a corner. His header was blocked on the line and half cleared, as Luke was about the clear the ball was hooked onto his arm and the ref pointed to the spot. Their player stepped up and Tommy guessed right and got a hand on the ball but couldn’t keep it out.

Parents Player: Luke;
Coaches Player: Ben.

Coaches Thoughts
Having been 2-0 down and not playing well, a draw should feel like a good result. However, to lead in Injury Time, makes it feel like defeat.
Fair play to the boys to keep working and battling their way back into the game.
But we need to be better if we want to compete for the league. We have so much ability and potential in the squad, need to find the best way to get that on the pitch on a Sunday. Hopefully we will have a bigger squad available next week which will help us.