Two penalty saves, a brilliant reaction save and an all round excellent goal keeping performance by Rob Johnston (although the kicking might rule him out of an approach by Pep Guardiola) almost clinched a fine win let alone a deserved point against third placed Balcombe.
With the goalie as Man of the Match this might suggest this was a one man show backs to the wall job but that does not tell the true story.
Matt had to shuffle the pack again and with a late withdrawal or two found himself fielding a good starting eleven but a little limited on the bench with Norro and Steeley at least providing some experience.
It all started rather ominously with Balcombe taking the lead after just 7 minutes. A ball pulled back to the edge of the box found an opposition striker in far too much time and space a to pick his spot. 0-1.
Despite that setback we settled relatively well with Tom Ryan reverting to centre back and forming an impressive partnership alongside Dan Rahaman. There were few further scares as Balcombe were largely frustrated in their attempts to press home the advantage the early strike had given them. It was a keenly contested half in which our opportunities to get level were limited but certainly not without hope.
The second half was to burst into life with us encouraged by a keen breeze at our backs and it was not long before we pulled level.
The ball found its way to Tom Chidgey on the edge of the box and his shot was bent beautifully into the top far corner. 1-1.
Even better was to follow. A free kick near the half way line had JB interested particularly with that aforementioned breeze in his favour. He needed no encouragement to try his luck and true enough his long distance effort was almost perfect as it eluded a surprised keeper but came back off the bar. The first and indeed only person to react was Tom who guessed what JB might try and he was on hand to head in the rebound. 2-1.
At this stage we were clearly in the ascendancy and Balcombe becoming increasingly frustrated against an obdurate defence.
While not sure of the exact sequence of events that unfolded this is where Rob really started to shine.
A penalty to Balcombe, maybe rather harshly awarded, was well saved to his right by Rob as we held on to our lead. A second clear cut penalty was to prove a turning point as Dan clipped the heels of the striker as he bore down on goal. The inevitable red card saw us reduced to 10.
But up steeped Rob again to repel another penalty! He followed that with probably the best save of all as he blocked a fierce drive from close range. It was beginning to look like he was unbeatable as opposition frustration grew.
They were to be thrown another lifeline with a third penalty award. This one appeared very harsh on JB who did little or nothing wrong in attempting to block a shot but the resulting coming together from the ref's angle was deemed worthy of another spot kick.
A third penalty save was too much to expect 2-2.
At this stage a draw would have been a fair result but we were to be thwarted by a somewhat farcical own goal. Attempts to clear saw the ball pinballing off three or four defenders before ending up agonisingly ending up in the net. 2-3.
Not exactly too little too late, but this defensive performance in particular, brought back some memories of more successful times and similar resolve would surely have seen a far lower figure in the goals against column this season.
A good performance by all concerned, but it was Rob who almost provided the icing on the cake.
MOM: Rob Johnston