Cranbrook returned from their Macron League Division Three game at Sidmouth Town thirds with a point after drawing 2-2.
What made the result all the more impressive was the fact that the home team had the luxury of being able to call on some of their second team players as they were without a game.
Cranbrook made a disappointing start and shipped an early goal when a downfield punt from the home glovesman caught out the visiting central defenders and a fleet-footed Sidmouth striker ran on and headed the ball up and over the stand-in goalkeeper!
The goal seemed to wake Cranbrook up and they created a couple of half chances which were not taken and their task suddenly got a lot tougher when they fell two down when a corner was not cleared and an unmarked opponent turned the ball home at the far post.
Cranbrook tried to hit back before the break and were left feeling very aggrieved when Dan MacDonald looked to have been felled inside the area, but the match official awarded a free-kick outside the area and the Sidmouth goalkeeper made a comfortable save.
During the break, Cranbrook boss Jon Martin asked his players to show a bit more character for the second half while also looking to get tighter and try to compete more with their opposite number.
The dressing room ‘chat’ clearly worked and the opening minutes of the second half saw the home side pegged back deep in their own half.
However, despite having more of the ball and creating chances, the clock was ticking down and Cranbrook still trailed 2-0.
Then the ball broke to central midfielder Karl Snugs and his fierce shot took a deflection before looping up and over the goalkeeper. Martin then made some changes to throw fresh legs into the mix and, in the closing minutes, Cranbrook won a throw-in deep in the Sidmouth half.
The ball was launched into the box and there was an almighty scramble and vociferous appeals for a handball were turned away by the referee only for the ball to fall to Liam Bounsall, who struck the sweetest of bicycle kicks that saw the ball fly past the goalkeeper with what proved to be virtually the last kick of the game.
The final whistle blew after the restart and we’d managed to salvage a point.
On Saturday, Cranbrook will try again to end their losing run at home – they remain unbeaten away this season in their league campaign - when they host Culm United at Broadclyst (2.15pm).
Cranbrook boss Jon Martin says: “We need to arrest our home woes and this coming game is an ideal chance.
“I am hopeful that we will have the services of a young striker we are bringing in from Topsham Town.
“Goals have been a problem for us this season, so some extra fire power won’t do any harm!
“If the paper work is completed in time, he will be involved on Saturday.”
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