Blackfield & Langley boss John Robson hailed Gareth Barfoot’s “tremendous goalkeeping” as his side came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Winchester City on Saturday.

The former AFC Totton and Eastleigh stopper, who was understudy to Nathan Ashmore at Gosport Borough last term, pulled off a series of impressive saves and stopped Zach Glasspool from scoring a penalty in the clash of the Sydenhams Premier Division titans.

His heroics meant the Watersiders could secure a point at the Denplan City Ground and keep them unbeaten in fourth place in the Wessex.

“I am happy with a comeback,” said Robson. “Early on I thought we were in the ascendancy then we came off the game.

“We didn’t compete well enough in the middle and they started playing the football I knew Winchester could play. We had a word at half time but we still came out lethargic, but we were still in it thanks to Barfoot’s tremendous goalkeeping.

“When we put the extra man out-wide (Danilo Cadete) we looked every bit as good as them.

“I’m very pleased. Coming away from here with a point, keeps them where they are and keeps us where we are.”

The result keeps Winchester in the chasing pack in 9th with two games in hand over Blackfield.

Robson took over at Gang Warily a few months ago and has been charged with winning back the Premier crown that the Watersiders won two seasons ago.

And he was happy to see one of his summer recruits, Barfoot, doing well.

“Incredible performance, he’s never been fully called upon up until now to make the kind of saves he did today,” the experienced boss said.

“We’ve had such a good defence, but when you lose big players you can’t fill their shirts. Ben Kelly did a great job today. But Gareth really did pull out all the stops.

“We know he’s got, we’ve seen it in training, but to do it under pressure was superb. He helped enormously to get the point.”

Blackfield were short in numbers due to injuries, but now have time to recover with Tuesday night off before welcoming Sherborne Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.