Wones hits dramatic leveller to snatch a point

By Norman Bygrave

Wilton's string of saves keeps Planters in the hunt

Ryman North Division
Norwich United 1 Bowers & Pitsea 1
A dramatic last minute equaliser from Norwich United’s Shaun Wones arrested the Planters run of defeats delivering their first point in six outings.
The visitors proved a threat on the break all afternoon showing their intent straight away with a quick break down the right ending with James Thomas shooting wide then Andy Wilton had to rush out to deny Callum Leahy.
Adam Hipperson was the first to go close for the home team, cutting in and shooting, Bowers keeper Rhys Madden holding on at the second attempt. A good move down the right ended with Madden cutting out Dawid Radomski’s cross.
Bowers had a good chance with a free kick from just outside the box but David Knight blasted his shot high and wide. For the hosts Hipperson and Wones both fired wide under pressure
The visitors finished the half strongly and Steve Shipley was on hand to clear a dangerous cross from Warner, Andy Wilton had to be alert to push Warner’s shot wide, Leahy headed wide from a Warner cross and Thomas shot wide at the far post.
It was thereford no surprise when Bowers took the lead in the 49th minute when Warner hit a shot from an acute angle inside the far post.
Dawid Radomski blocked David Knight’s shot at the near post as the visitors continued to threaten and Wilton had to make good saves from Ben Sartain and Warner.
The Planters gradually came into the game and Matt Brown saw his shot to the near post turned behind, inexplicably the referee awarded a goal kick!
The Planters were back in the game now and substitute Liam Jackson saw his header cleared of the line and Sam Watts shot wide from a corner to the near post.
The visitors should have sealed the win two minutes from time, a lovely through ball put them two-on-one on the keeper, rather than pass Warner opted to shoot and Wilton pushed his shot wide.
The Planters equalised when Brown crossed from the left and Andy Eastaugh’s glancing header found Wones at the far post and he made no mistake driving home to steal the draw.
Norwich United: Wilton, Shipley, Rose (Machaya 66), Mason (Mackie 81), Eastaugh, Watts, Radomski (L Jackson 66), Wones, Hipperson, Henery, Brown. Unused subs: Mokake, Probart.
Bowers & Pitsea: Madden, Adams, Clark, Stokes, Russell, Sartain, Thomas, Leahy, Knight, Warner, Hilton. Unused subs: Pethers, Stevens, Salmon, Nyanja, Gordon.
Referee: Mr George Byrne. Assistants: Mr Bradley Mingay & Mr Jordan Sandwell.
Attendance: 94