Gainsborough Trinity drew 1-1 with Stocksbridge Park Steels after the visitors snatched a point late on, with an Alex O’Connor thunderbolt damaging the hosts bid for promotion.
Sisa Tuntulwana’s 70th minute opener was cancelled out by an absolute stunner from Australian midfielder O’Connor with just three minutes left on the clock.
A quite frankly boring first half contrasted a very entertaining second 45 that saw plenty of chances for the hosts but ultimately the points were shared between the sides.
Russ Wilcox made one change from the side that smashed Warrington Town 3-0 with Charlie Parks coming in for Adam Crooks.
The Holy Blues went into the game sat in seventh place in the Northern Premier Division, situated seven points away from the play-offs with three games in hand on fifth place Warrington Rylands.
Credit: Declan Dempsey
A quiet first 45
It was a quiet opening 29 minutes with the only shot on target coming 14 minutes in when Frank Mulhern attempted an audacious half-volley that Jonny Margetts intentionally got a touch on to direct goalwards, but Ben Townsend was down quickly to save the effort.
Bang on the half hour mark the hosts generated the best chance of the game as Trinity broke quickly.
However, Aaron Simpson’s ball into Tuntulwana was played slightly too far in front of him- the pacey striker did well to get a shot away but could only force a good save out of Townsend.
Townsend denied the visitors once again right at the end of the half, Tuntulwana played in Jordan Helliwell whose effort was well smothered by the outrushing goalkeeper.
Stocksbridge snatch a point
Trinity showed much more attacking intent after the break after a lackadaisical first half. Simpson caused Stocksbridge problems with a powerful header from range but the visitors eventually cleared their lines.
Pressure built on the away side as this was followed up by a good effort from Tuntulwana who shot from range but the ball flew just over the crossbar.
With 20 minutes to go Russ Wilcox’s side really put their foot on the gas, forcing an outstanding save from Townsend after Lewis Butroid fired goalwards from a promising position in the Stocksbridge box.
Just two minutes later their much improved second half performance was marked by a goal taken well by Tuntulwana. Trinity’s number 11 was in the right place at the right time to tap home a strike that was initially sent in by Frank Mulhern.
Substitute Theo Williams almost made it a debut to remember shortly after, being selflessly played the ball by Mulhern in the box but a heroic last ditch slide tackle blocked his shot away from danger.
Gainsborough would be dealt a sucker punch with just three minutes to go as O’Connor fired home beautifully from range to put Stocksbridge level. The Australian midfield picked out his spot and fired the ball into the bottom corner, giving Josh Robson absolutely no chance.
Next up for Trinity is a clash against Leek Town at the KAL Group Stadium- a win 100% needed as they will look to revive their push for promotion