The 2nd league match of the season saw the Colden Common U11B team line up against a Bitterne Park team still bouyant after a 13-1 win in their first game.
The first few minutes saw Bitterne Park mounting a series of early attacks on Common's goal, giving keeper Jack Marriott plenty of action from the off.
Common quickly settled down and started to probe the Bitterne Park defense with a few breakaway runs which suggested that this was going to be a hard fought game.
12 minutes in, and a strong tackle in the box gave Bitterne Park a penalty. Keeper Marriott stayed cool, judged the direction and produced a save that sent the Colden Common supporters wild.
Bitterne Park doubled their efforts, and after another five minutes they managed to find a crack in Common's back-line, and this time made sure to find the back of the net.
The rest of the first half stayed very tight, with strong defending at both ends.
Common's strikers were desperate to end the half even, and with three minutes left, a late tackle in the box gave Common a penalty.
Hayden Tutt struck the ball hard - the Bitterne Park keeper managed to block, but not hold it, Tutt saw his chance and calmly pushed the rebound into the right hand corner - one each at half-time.
Bitterne Park came out hard and fast from the whistle - before Common had settled down their number 7 had again got past the back line, and found the back of the net.
Showing no sign of conceding Common fought back tirelessly, new signing Connor Eccles looked sharp and eager to get his name on the score sheet for the first time.
12 minutes into the half, and his jubilation was short-lived, after he slotted the ball home, only to be ruled offside.
Bitterne Park replied with a series of attacks on Common's goal and a well struck corner from the left was headed neatly in off the post, leaving Common's keeper no chance.
Two goals clear and Bitterne Park started to relax.
Eight minutes to go, and now it was Common's turn to put the pressure on, another push into the area ended with a 2nd penalty for Colden Common.
Captain Ryan Norman stepped up and hit a real cannonball clear past the Bitterne Park keeper, to pull his team back into the game.
With total determination, Common kept up the pressure, whilst Bitterne Park looked equally determined to put the game out of reach.
Excellent defending and goalkeeping kept Common in the fight.
With two minutes to go, Common's midfield produced a super through ball which left Thomas Hayne clear on goal.
Using his speed to leave the defenders watching, Hayne looked up, then let loose a ripper from outside the box to find the corner of the net.
A brilliant, gutsy fight-back gave Common a well earned point in a game that was packed full of action.
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