A STRIKE six minutes into added time gave Barnston AFC a victory that puts them in touch with the Essex and Suffolk Border League leaders.

Foxash Social 2 Barnston AFC 3

A STRIKE six minutes into added time gave Barnston AFC a victory that puts them in touch with the Essex and Suffolk Border League leaders.

Tim Shaw provided the last gasp fireworks, completing a brace with a well converted finish following a frantic goalmouth scramble.

Mark Pledger had dragged AFC back into the match with a six-yard belter after his team had gone into the break one-nil down despite dominating the first half.

The visitors were denied a clear cut penalty and also had two goals disallowed, one for a dubious offside and the other for a foul on halfway, as they outplayed their bottom three opponents.

But it wasn’t until the second half that AFC, who now sit fourth, two points behind third, started to get what they deserved.

First Pledger scored two minutes into the second period, Foxash then re-established their lead with a drilled effort past keeper Craig Reid.

But Shaw popped up to bundle over the line and bring the scores level with 20 minutes remaining.

Looking for the win, AFC pushed on and were finally rewarded with a last gasp winner which sent the players and fans into raptures.

Speaking after the game manager Leighton Williams said: “It was a very important win. With the league leaders and third place drawing we have closed the gap.

“It also taught us a few lessons. Firstly that giving away soft goals could end up costing us at the end of the season, and that this has to be addressed.

“Secondly, that if we let the pressure get to us and turn on each other, as we did at times in the first half, then success will be hard to come by.

“But, if we stick together and work as a team, we can overcome hurdles and win games.”

Next: This Saturday Barnston travel to league leaders Newbury Forest for a league game. Kick off 2pm.