Blair Gives R's Survival Hopes Spot Kick Push

AARON Blair's 85th-minute penalty gave third-bottom Brightlingsea Regent an important point at lowly Wingate, who remain unbeaten at home in 2022.

After a tense and scrappy first half, Wingate led at halftime through Luke Skinner's own goal.

The visitors struggled to find a breakthrough from open play in the second half but Aaron Blair equalised late on from 12 yards.

The R's started the game well, but disaster struck on 30 minutes when Luke Skinner turned the ball into his own net.

Very few chances were created by either side before the interval, so the Blues were perhaps a little fortunate to go in ahead.

The second half continued in very much the same fashion and while both sides rang the changes, neither could make an immediate breakthrough.

Charlie Durling could have drawn the visitors level on 70 minutes but his volley flew agonisingly wide.

But their late penalty award proved a lifeline. Blues' Dexter Peter saw red for conceding it before Blair dispatched it.

Wingate were ultimately fortunate to take a point from the game.

But missed chances could come back to haunt Brightlingsea as the season enters its crucial final phase.

STAR MAN: Kavan Cotter (Wingate & Finchley)
ENTERTAINMENT: 2 Stars

By Dom Hogan (Wingate & Finchley) via the Non-League Paper