Ringwood Town 2 Andover New Street 2.

New Street got their points for column in motion on Saturday following a 2-2 draw at Ringwood Town but not without cost as they racked up six bookings and the sending off of debutant Aaron Black despite boss Paul Reidy and chairman Martin Tobin agreeing ‘there wasn’t a hint of malice in the game.’ In what was nevertheless a scrappy encounter both sides struggled to get going until Jesses Hodgson put Ringwood ahead just past the half hour mark.

By then Street had lost Mark Holland to injury and were forced to reshuffle and Reidy admitted: “We only played in spells but after the break we regrouped and were stronger and more compact.”

Youth team player Harry Lawton was also making his debut in midfield and was made man of the match by Reidy who threw on substitute Prince Xamela on the hour and the move paid off.

Six minutes later a cross from Keiron LeBrun fell to the big striker who levelled which heralded the start of a more open game.

Ringwood retook the lead in controversial circumstances five minutes later when a ball into the box was handled by a Street defender who appeared to be pushed in the process.

According to New Street sources the linesman pointed out the foul to referee Currie who overruled him and Mark Pudney gave his side the lead.

Justice seemed to be done with five minutes left as Christian Boothe’s cross was poked into the bottom corner by Xamela to make it 2-2 and both sides settled for the draw.

“We showed great character today although the bookings may well mean a fine.”

New Street have no match tomorrow.

Kerry Miller