MAX Cornhill ended his goal drought with a last minute goal to earn the visitors a Ryman One North point on Saturday.
The Abbotts thought they had gained revenge for two cup defeats and nailed Rocks’ hopes of climbing back into the Ryman One North promotion play-off zone but were thwarted at the end.
The first three goals came in the first half, with the home side holding Rocks’ fightback at bay.
Striker Neil Richmond returned to the visitors line-up after a lengthy injury lay-off and he looked to have made an immediate impact, firing the ball into the net only for the ref to rule his effort out for a foul in the build-up.
Rocks, as is often their way, dominated the opening stages but failed to secure the breakthrough and it was Abbey who were to take the lead on 18 minutes through Bristow and Ogunkoya extended their advantage six minutes later.
Richmond was finally on the mark to grab a goal back on 28 minutes.
The expected charge from the visitors after the break didn’t really materialise and they plodded through the opening half hour of it.
However, they gradually picked up the tempo but it looked set to be a totally frustrating afternoon as they twice had the ball in the Abbotts’ net, only for them to be ruled out for dubious offside decision.
They were to get some reward though when Cornhill snatched a point for them with a goal that took on added importance as results came in from elsewhere. Scores generally went badly for the some of the promotion-chasing sides so the result for Rocks could yet turn out to be important.
Ryman results: Harlow 1, AFC Sudbury 0; Thamesmad 1, Leyton 1; Redbridge 4, Brentwood Town 0; Grays Athletic 1, Potters Bar 2; Heybridge I, Waltham Forest 1; Enfield Town 0, Great Wakering Rovers 3; Ilford 1, Wingate & Finchley 3; Ware 0. Romford 2; Needgham Market 3, Cheshunt 2; Tilbury 0, Maldon & Tiptree 2.
Report courtesy of the Essex Enquirer
