Frome Town came from behind to earn a hard-fought draw against an unbeaten Basingstoke Town side.
Alex Monks cancelled out Liam Ferdinand’s opener, to earn The Robins’ first point at Badgers Hill this season.
There was just the one change from the side that was knocked out of the FA Trophy to Havant & Waterlooville a week ago. Rex Mannings was straight in to the starting eleven after signing a few days ago, replacing Marcus Day who dropped to the bench.
The BA11 side started the game brightly, and Mannings made an immediate impact, linking up with George Rigg down the right, in just the 2nd minute, Rigg lofted a ball in to Curtis Hutson, who could only divert his header wide.
The visitors managed to weather the early storm and had a chance of their own in the 15th minute, but a cross towards the back post couldn’t be converted.
The ‘Stoke then had penalty appeals turned down in the 39th minute, after a fair challenge in the box, though that didn’t stop the away fans from complaining behind the goal.
However, just five minutes later, they were on the right side of a refereeing decision, where they were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. Brody Peart stepped up but sent his strike high over the bar and the stand, with the ball subsequently flying in to the car park, a rather fiting way to end the first half.
Coming out from the interval, Frome looked on it and had numerous chances to take the lead from set-pieces, Pierce Mitchell, Matt Wood and James Ollis, all managed to get on the end of a ball in but none of them could find the target.
Despite the pressure and majority of the play being contested in our final third, it was the visitors who took the lead after they capitalized on a slip at the book, the ball was worked across to Ferdinand, who fired home.
A month ago, Danny Greaves side may have capitulated, but not today, as they looked determined to claw their way back in to the game, having countless openings, but nothing particularly clear cut.
Basingstoke’s Nnamdi Nwachuku then missed an absolute sitter in the 69th minute when he was played through on goal, but scuffed his shot well wide of Kyle Phillips, a let off for Frome but one they responded to, as almost straight up the other end an equaliser occurred, substitutes Zak Drew and Marcus Day were involved, as the ball was played across the box, it eventually found it’s way to Monks who smashed past Simon Grant.
Frome looked the better side for the remainder of the game, but had Joe O’Loughlin to thank after a last ditch block in the 94th minute, a game saving effort and you could feel the sense of relief around the stadium once that ball cannoned off of his leg.
Next up it’s a quick turnaround where we will travel to league leaders Gloucester City, looking to build on another positive display.
Live updates and match reports written by Harrison Richards
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A draw was probably the right result as Basingstoke possibly had the clearer chances and were denied at the death by a superb tip over by Kyle.
The Robins undeniably deserved something from the game. The overall performance levels were excellent and the team performance ‘total.’ Considering how we struggled a few weeks back, I was proud to be Frome town fan after that very gutsy and organized display.
The back five in front of Kyle were superb. Monksie and Riggy went to battle in midfield with Monksie very Keane – esque / Souness – esque as usual. Riggy was thoughtful in keeping it tidy and simple to retain possession. Rex Mannings had a fine rebirth at the club and his…
Thank you Harrison, for a thoughtful and inciteful match report on our 1-1 draw with Basingstoke.
Following on from our recent improved form against Hungerford and Havant & Waterlooville, this very credible and well-deserved draw against Basingstoke Town, provided further proof, that Danny and the team are heading in the right direction in terms of performances and results.
Basingstoke brought a large contingent of fans to The Hill, hoping no doubt to see, ‘The ‘Stoke’, extend their undefeated start to the season. A crowd of over 500 created a vociferous and partizan atmosphere, with both sets of supporters getting behind their team.
The Robins warmed to the task in no small measure, with every player fully committed throughout, led…