A SUPERB battling second half performance by ten man Romsey saw them rescue a point against Fawley AFC at The AEC Protection Ground on Tuesday evening. 

A controversial 20th minute dismissal for Town skipper Craig Bryant left his side with an uphill task and they trailed by the only goal of the game at the interval. 

However, two key substitutions and a pep talk by boss Andy Samuels at half-time saw a revitalised Romsey rewarded by a dominant display capped by a brilliant equalising goal from Charlie Hawes.

Town started their penultimate League match of the season in lively fashion and a fierce shot by recalled striker Jo Sutherden was just off target. Sutherden turned provider with his pass to Liam Magee, who galloped into the area and hit a thumping effort that the ‘keeper palmed to safety.

Bryant received his marching orders for a foul on Frempong, which astonished most present as it appeared to merit a yellow card at worst. Town were further punished when former favourite Elezi sprinted forward and laid on a pass to Munro who, despite looking suspiciously offside, rounded Miles Bartram to score into an unguarded net for the Oilers in the 23rd minute.

Sutherden had a chance to equalise when he outpaced his marker and closed in on goal, but an untimely bobble saw him put his shot just wide, though Fawley almost added a second goal after Munro’s cross gave Frempong a great chance that he put wide on the stroke of half-time.
Substitutes Alex Wilson and Hawes  began the second half and Fawley were soon went close again when Frempong was put clear, but a last ditch goal line block kept Town in the contest. This let off sparked Romsey into life and a long ball from defence saw Hawes race into the area and plant a low drive beyond the advancing ‘keeper to level the scores.

Romsey now took control of proceedings and created a number of excellent chances, with Tiago Moreno twice testing the ‘keeper and Aaron Scott’s pass then gave Sutherden the chance to steer a shot that hit the inside of the post before being cleared for a corner. Another pinpoint pass from midfield had Hawes scampering clear and his shot also hit the upright as a despairing Sutherden could not quite connect with the rebound. A foul on Hawes led to Town left back Billy Brackley being sin-binned for comments to the referee and left Romsey with nine men, who still managed to pin Fawley back in the search for the winner they deserved but sadly could not muster.

This comeback was the ideal response to a lacklustre showing last Saturday when this season’s biggest home crowd saw play off chasing East Cowes take all three points at The AEC Protection Ground. Romsey went a goal down in the second minute and fell further behind when Scott was dispossessed in midfield and Nash took advantage to score. Despite a late second half dismissal of the visitors’ centre back Chase, Romsey drew a blank on the day.

Town are now tenth in the Division One table on 53 points and welcome Clanfield to The AEC Protection Ground tomorrow (ko 3pm) for their final League match of this campaign, before travelling to Andover New Street’s Foxcotte Park for the North Hants Senior Cup Final against Basingstoke Town next Wednesday May 1 (ko 7.45pm).