SDFL division four

Kingsbridge and Kellaton United 3

The points were shared in a six-goal thriller as Kingsbridge and Kellaton twice fought back from a goal down to earn a draw with Ilsington Villa.

The Ks arrived at Ilsington with their hosts sitting at the bottom of division four, but after Kellaton’s own mixed start to the season both sides were eager to put their early-season form behind them with a victory.

Elliot Bradbury had the chance to take an early lead for Kellaton as Chris Lynn’s pass over the top sent the striker in on goal, but the home goalkeeper got down well to keep out Bradbury’s side-footed effort.

Just as Kellaton be­gan to control the game, the home side took an unlikely lead through a deflected goal.

Undeterred, Kings­bridge continued to push for the goal that their play de­served and they got the breakthrough thanks to a fine team move.

Elliot Bradbury, Rob­in Lee and Mark Ed­monds combined well down the left flank and Bradbury applied the finish with a curling effort inot the top corner.

Makeshift left-back Ben Smith’s influence on the game began to increase as the tireless defender made a nuisance of himself in de­fence and attack with his gut-busting runs.

Smith almost got an effort in on goal mid-way through the first half but the ball was just stabbed away by the home defender.

Central midfielder Alex Thomas was also proving to be a thorn in Villa’s side and it was his run forward that caused the next period of unrest for Villa.

Thomas stole the ball from the opposition goalkeeper near the corner flag and sprinted towards goal from a tight angle. However, his driven effort across the box missed both the far post and Bradbury, who was lurking inside the area.

Ilsington once again took an unlikely lead before the half-time break with another scrappy effort.

The Ks couldn’t quite believe they were be­hind as the half-time whistle blew but be­hind they were and the players were reminded to be more ruthless in front of goal.

That message clearly rung true with Ed­monds as the attacking midfielder fired Kella­ton level within minutes of the restart.

Robin Lee crossed the ball from the left and when the ball was shunted towards the edge of the box by the defender, Edmonds was on hand to smash the ball in via the underside of the bar.

Kellaton were level in the match but they wanted more. Lee and Chris Lynn had long-range efforts, but bothfailed to test the home goalkeeper.

However, once again Ilsington got their noses in front with 15 minutes left on the clock.

A lofty ball in to the box wasn’t dealt with and the home striker applied the finish with accuracy.

In a game where Kel­laton had dominated they were now staring defeat in the face, but just five minutes later Bradbury drew the Ks level once more.

A long ball over the top drew the goalkeeper off his line and Kellaton’s striker had the speed of thought to lift the ball over the ‘keeper to secure his side a point.