Match report: All-square as Ringwood Town FC and Fawley AFC battle out a 2-2 Wessex League Division One draw

Ringwood Town and Fawley AFC played a highly competitive, back-and-forth contest that saw both sides lead before the dust settled on a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Ringwood made the perfect start, with Lee Vint firing home before the travelling Oilers took the lead after goals from Liam Biggs and Declan Hartigan. However, a penalty from Jesse Rabin levelled the contest.

Despite an even start to the contest, the opener only took 15 minutes to arrive. Jamie Wintle charged into the midfield and won possession for Ringwood before Ben Harris – playing his 300th game for Ringwood after coming through the youth ranks – floated a delightful ball into Vint, whose perfect cushioned touch belied the pressure he was under before firing home.

The Oilers only took two minutes to level the match, with Liam Biggs powering home a decent header after a perfect corner found the burly defender.

As the match passed the 25th minute, Fawley stalwart and captain Declan Hartigan made his presence known. The industrious goal-getter kept his eye on the ball as it made its way to him before volleying home a classy effort that left Will Griffin in the Ringwood goal with little hope.

Ringwood took control as the half came to a close, pinning the Oilers in their half, but they could not find a way through to level. However, the referee gave them a hand after the break, pointing to the spot in what many Fawley fans felt was a very dubious call. That did not bother Rabin, who fired low to the keeper’s left.

After the goal, an incensed Fawley side remonstrated with the Ringwood player and officials. Several yellows were shown, and Fawley’s James Clifton was sent to the sin bin.

Fawley broke clear as the match entered its final moments, with Charlie Lemon bursting into the Ringwood half. He managed to take the ball around the keeper, but his heavy touch went out of play, and the final whistle arrived.

Ringwood Town play twice this week. Firstly, away against Ash United tomorrow (Tuesday) night before a home match versus East Cowes on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Fawley AFC plays host on Saturday against Frimley Green.

Fawley AFC: J. Bruce, J. Lynch, L. Smith, O. Gain, L. Biggs, M. Hawkins, L. Clifton, F. Craigen, A. Sawyer, D. Hartigan, J. Kilford. Subs: J. Tribe, A. Dewey, C. Lemon, A. Adries, H. Aboi.

Ringwood Town FC: W. Griffin, B. Bradwell, L. Crumpler, J. Wintle, C. Lister, H. Dathan, L. Pothas, J. Ridland, L. Vint, H. Mealing, B. Harris. Subs: L. Ansell, J. Rabin, D. Whitelaw, J. Stoodley, P. Correira.