An injury time goal from defender Rob Froud saved a point for Sturminster Newton United as they battered Gillingham Town Reserves at Barnet's Field.

The away side started the game well but the Cherries grew into the game. Midway through the first half, Gillingham took the lead when a pass straight through the middle of the Stur defence left goalkeeper Jamie Beale having to rush out of his goal. Beale did get to the ball but unfortunately he got there at the same time as the Gill striker and the ball rebounded it the net. Before the half was out, Stuart Frear's chip hit the bar. Captain Mike Budd had a clear penalty not given when he was pulled back by a Gill defender whilst through on goal.

Just five minutes into the second period, Gill were reduced to ten men and that started an onslaught. Budd and Steve Moore both found the Gillingham keeper in great form as he pulled off save after save.  When left back Will Gould got behind the defence, his first time shot went wildly wide after a bobble. Moore hit the bar from a free kick even though it looked like a Gill defender had saved it on the line with his hands! Eventually, and with time running out, Beale's deep free kick was flicked home by Rob Froud and a point was secured.  As the two teams lined up for the kick off, the referee sent off the Gillingham goalscorer to reduce them to nine men.  With injury time running out, even goalkeeper Jamie Beale found himself trying to get onto the end of corners and free kicks, but it was all too little too late, and the home side had to settle for a point.

"The support we got on Saturday was fantastic, I just wish we could have got all three points" said manager Gary Head. "The noise they made when we eventually got our goal was brilliant. It was probably a great game to watch, but not so good for the coaching staff. I definitely have a few more grey hairs after Saturday"!

SNUFC: Beale, C Frear, W Gould (Hedges), Frampton (Elson), Froud, Sweatman, Carter (Proctor), Moore, S Frear, Budd (c), Moussalli.