SPORTING Club Inkberrow had an injury time goal ruled out for offside in a goalless draw with promotion rivals Malmesbury Victoria.
Nathan Benson thought he had won the game for Inkberrow at the death only for the assistant’s flag to cut the celebrations short at the Inkberrow Recreation Ground.
And the result means Inkberrow sit third in the Hellenic League Division One table, three points behind Malmesbury in second who have a game in hand.
Sporting defied the elements to ensure the game went ahead with the referee and league administrators disagreeing on the condition of the pitch.
However, the game was eventually played on a saturated pitch much to the disappointment of the Inkberrow ground staff.
After losing their talisman Declan Green to injury in the warm-up, Inkberrow started the game on the back foot but withstood plenty of Malmesbury pressure.
And the home side eventually managed to find a foothold in the game as Max-Emilios Angelides saw his effort cleared off the line after good work from Oliver Smith.
Sporting went close to breaking the deadlock in the second half as Tom Emblem’s shot hit the crossbar and bounced to safety.
And the home side almost found a way through later in the half as substitute Alex Quaynor made an incisive run which created a chance for Harry Grant who fired wide from close range at the near post.
Sporting thought they had deservedly clinched the points in injury time when Benson coolly finished Quaynor’s cross from eight-yards out only for the offside flag to come to Malmesbury’s rescue.
Inkberrow are next in action away at Newent Town on Saturday, November 11 with kick-off at 3pm at Wildsmith Meadow.
