Basingstoke Town 2-2 Heybridge Swifts

Resilient Heybridge gained another point in their battle against relegation but slipped further into danger after Boreham Wood picked up all three points in their match.

Dave Greene's men came into this clash unbeaten in six Premier Division games, and it showed early on with Akpo Sodje twice forcing impressive stops from home keeper Scott Tarr.

Stoke came into the clash after that. Swifts knew top scorer Craig McAllister was going to be the main threat, and that may go some way to explaining the lack of marking that allowed Alex Ewens to ghost in and apply the final touch on 12 minutes.

Regardless, Heybridge still looked the better side in the first period, and Jamie Windows came closest to tying things up with a dribble into the box and powerful shot that Tarr tipped away.

Two minutes after the restart Heybridge did gain their reward, as Paul Abrahams shot home from twelve yards for the equaliser.

The visitors' concentration waned, allowing Basingstoke back in front on 63 minutes as Neville Roach exposed Darren Placid's failure to cut out a right-wing shot and it flew in.

Sodje, who had drifted in and out of the game, then smacked a header against the crossbar, before Basingstoke had a great to chance to wrap up the points fifteen minutes from time. Firstly, Danny Barber's rash tackle at goalscorer Roach saw him dismissed, then Glenn Howes was chopped down in the box.

Uncharacteristically, Craig McAllister hit the post with his spot kick.

Heybridge pushed to the last, gaining their reward in the 90th minute when Abrahams hussled into the box; his shot was saved, but Sodje followed up from the rebound to keep Swifts' survival hopes alive.

Their two remaining matches, at home against Bedford Town and then crucially Aylesbury United, will have a huge bearing on what standard of football Scraley Road will be hosting next term.

17:11 Sunday 27th April 2003

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