AXMINSTER TOWN 1

TEIGNMOUTH AFC 1

AXMINSTER Town recoverd to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw in the final 30 seconds against a much-improved Teignmouth AFC in their South West Peninsula League Division One East clash.

Teignmouth had only lost one of their last five games – a narrow 2-1 defeat to league leaders Stoke Gabriel – and were given early belief and confidence after a slow start from the Tigers.

However, the first chance of the game fell to Ashley Small in the 25th minute.

After catching Teigns’ keeper in nomansland, Small pivoted and hit a tame effort from 25 yards that was cleared off the line by a recovering defender.

For the visitors, a lot of their best play came down the left wing, Teigns’ winger causing Tigers’ right-back Connor Hannaford some uncomfortable moments and in the process was able to deliver a couple of terrific crosses into the box.

Only some poor finishing and good handling from Ashley Smith in the home goal prevented the Tigers from trailing at the break.

Following a goalless 45 minutes, the second half saw the Tigers come out with a lot more intent.

However, in the 55th minute left-back Nathan Antat gave away a needless foul that resulted in a free-kick.

Smith superbly saved a header from the resultant cross but the rebound was bundled home at the far post to give the visitors the lead.

Axminster responded well and upped their attacking intent with Luke Finn and Jon Hurford going close.

Axminster continued to push for the equaliser but were finding the experienced back line of Teignmouth a tough nut to crack.

In the 75th minute, former Exeter City youth team player Charley Skilton rattled the post from a 25-yard rasping shot and 10 minutes later with just the keeper to beat Cameron Vere headed wide, much to the relief of the visiting gloveman.

With 30 seconds remaining, man of the match Hannaford delivered a terrific right-wing cross to striker Tony Pinder.

The forward’s flick-on found Antat steaming in at the far post to hit a powerful right-foot volley that flew past the helpless visiting custodian to secure a well deserved and dramatic point.