Gosport start 2024 with hard-fought Winchester draw
By Connor Steel
GOSPORT BOROUGH started the new calendar year in relieved style as they scored a late leveller versus Winchester City on Monday afternoon; eventually drawing one-apiece against their Hampshire rivals and completing an “unbeaten” festive period after an entertaining derby clash in front of over 460 supporters at the sodden Simplyhealth City Ground.
The hosts started quickly in the opening moments and created their first chance after five minutes; Tommy Wright firing across goal before forcing a fine stop for the Gosport goalkeeper Toby Steward shortly afterwards. Down the other end Billie Busari linked up quickly with Bradley Tarbuck as the latter floated the header over the crossbar from a tight angle.
Winchester did continue their early ‘dominance’ with Max Smith and Dan Jones going close, whilst Simba Mlambo was denied brilliantly by Steward after twenty-three minutes. And even after Mlambo finally beat the away goalkeeper as he rose highest to nod the resulting corner inside the bottom left corner; this goal was disallowed for an offside in the area.
A second home goal was further chalked off on the half hour mark when Wright collected a ball from Smith and clipped into the net; the offside flag cutting short the celebrations on the far side. Pip Nolan soon nodded wide from a set piece before Tarbuck and Dan Wooden had half chances for Gosport; but all proved to be fruitless in this goalless first period.
Borough restarted with greater attacking momentum and arguably should have netted in the 48th minute through Rafa Ramos; the striker slamming his dipping effort against the near crossbar. He further dragged his varying efforts wide of either post before Danny Hollands was booked for a ‘niggly’ midfield tackle; stormy weather soon beginning to develop.
Home goalkeeper Luke Cairney was forced into a great diving stop to deny Jake Scrimshaw after the hour mark before Nolan was alert to nod off the goalline from a corner on 69 minutes. This was sandwiched by Wright seeing a low effort blocked at source and Trever Caborn being denied by Steward before substitutions took place across these two outfits.
The deadlock was finally broken after seventy-three minutes and it was the hosts who scored; Devon Arnold controlling a brilliant pass and side-footing into the bottom corner. But Gosport equalised with five left to play as Joe Morrison hit a high effort inside the corner from a perfect delivery to level at one-all and this is how it remained despite time added on.
The stalemate means Borough remain third in the current standings behind Salisbury and Chesham United; this gap to the leaders increasing to five points. Joe Lea and Patrick Suraci will be looking to bounce back with two coming league home matches as they host Poole Town on January 6 before playing Plymouth Parkway seven days later on the 13/01.
PICTURED BY TOM PHILLIPS: Winchester defender pokes a pass away from Borough player as teams share a draw.
