FAREHAM TOWN 1, ALRESFORD TOWN 1

FIFTH-PLACED Alresford, who had won six of their last nine games in a rich vein of form, were held to a draw by Fareham from the lower half of the Sydenhams Premier League table.

Fareham led for most of the game at Cams Alders through a Curt Robbins penalty and, crucially, missed a second spot kick shortly before half-time.

After just eight minutes, Ashley Tattersall was brought down – seemingly by the last defender – and Robbins made no mistake from the spot.

Simon Woods wasted a golden opportunity to double the lead, blasting his shot wide after being played through on goal.

And fortune smiled on the off-colour Magpies when Woods was sent tumbling in the area and Robbins this time saw his penalty beaten away by Dan Kempson.

Alresford were much better in the second half. Geoff Dunn’s close-range shot was saved superbly by Luke Douglas at point-blank range and, in the 60th minute, Aaron Blaxall headed against the Fareham crossbar from a corner.

Things got a bit heated in the 74th minute and Douglas was booked for dissent after arguing over whether the ball had gone out of play or not.

Alresford finally equalised in the 87th minute. Douglas made a brilliant fingertip parry from substitute John Cole, but could not keep the ball out of the net.

Lukas McCartney had a golden opportunity to snatch victory for Alresford in the final moments, but headed wide from inside the six-yard box.

Alresford are aiming for a strong finish to a successful campaign, with their last three fixtures all at Arlebury Park. After the mid-week meeting with Bemerton Heath, the Magpies host Cowes Sports on Saturday and finish with a home match against Andover on April 22.