Zebras rescue a vital point

Gainsborough Trinity Reserves hosted Brigg Town on a sunny day at The Northolme.

It finished in a 1-1 draw thanks to Tom Pearson's 87th minute equalizer. This result has made Brigg the favourites to finish in second place.

Brigg made four changes with Declan Jordan, Sam East, Will Forrest and Adam Gowing replacing Paddy Shaw, Jack Tierney, Chris Rodgers and Jake Parker.

Early on Zak Dilly produced a great save to keep out Cameron Hill's header.

Brigg then had a penalty when Dilly brought down Jake Reed. However, he made amends by saving Reece Moody's spot kick.

Minutes later Declan Jordan denied Ash McEwan with a smart stop.

Gainsborough took the lead through Tom Williams, who cut inside from the left and fired home.

Afterwards they were reduced to ten men after Geno Robinson was sent off.

Robinson thought he had been fouled by Joe Smithson - no free kick was given though. He then said something to the referee that resulted in a straight red.

On the stroke of half time Brigg ought to have had a second penalty.

Dilly tripped Reed in the box again, but the referee didn't point to the spot that time. Instead he booked Reed for allegedly diving, which was a poor decision.

At half time Pearson and Parker came on for Gowing and Tom Raithby.

In the 54th minute Brigg weren't awarded another blatant penalty. Moody was so obviously fouled by Dilly - it beggars belief that nothing was given!

Soon afterwards Brigg got a free kick after Moody raced clear and looked poised to score. Joe Moloney was fouled in the build up, but an advantage really should have been played.

The resulting free kick came to nothing.

At the other end Jordan saved well at the feet of Zach Casburn.

Moody then saw a shot deflected behind by Tom Garner. Bizarrely, a goal kick was awarded and not a corner to Brigg!

Late on Moody came close before Brigg equalized on 87 minutes.

Forrest's long ball into the box was met by Pearson, whose header flew into the back of the net.

In the closing stages Forrest was dismissed for a foul on McEwan, but that didn't overshadow a useful point.

Brigg were the better side and deserved all three points. However, one point means they'll probably come second in the league.

Manager Lee Thompson was fairly satisfied.

"It's a shame we didn't score the early penalty, but our first half performance was fine. Their goal was against the run of play and we were unlucky to be losing at half time.

"We should definitely have had two more penalties. Jake Reed didn't dive and Reece Moody was CLEARLY fouled in the box!

"The second half was good and we got a deserved late equalizer. We could have won, but a draw wasn't bad considering the league positions.

"We're now looking likely to finish second in the Lincs League. If we come second and win promotion I'll be happy with that.

"It was a well earned point."

On Saturday, Brigg host Grimsby Borough Reserves in the league (kick off 3pm).

Brigg (3-4-1-2): Jordan; East, Smithson (c) (Rodgers 70), Forrest; Thompson, Gowing (Pearson 46), Raithby (Parker 46), Dolling; Reed (Moloney 57); Moody, Hill (Nicholls 57).