Crusaders take a point at Waders

After a disappointing run of away defeats, it was good to get at least a point at the impressive Carlsberg Stadium and although a draw was probably a fair reflection of the game, we might have got the winner near the end when the Waders survived a terrific melee in the 6 yard area as a succession of close range blocks denied us victory.
New signings Matthew Collins and Jon Munday made their debuts and both produced solid performances on a wet and heavy pitch, but we were a goal down after only 8 minutes when Kelvin Bossman, looking well offside, burst through to beat the exposed Paul Strudley. We got in some promising attacks, but Lee Smith was twice caught offside in quick counter-attacks, whilst James Clark and James Pilling both shot just wide. There was little between the two sides and, with the 45 minutes already up, Smith burst through into the penalty area and was brought down. It was a certain penalty, and almost as certain, Mark Draycott converted the spot-kick decisively to level the scores at the interval.
We had the better of the second half, Mpi had a shot saved and Draycott headed wide, but we had a let-off when Sam Ives rattled the bar with a long-range shot. Back we came and James Clark headed over from close-in as we threatened to take control, although there were no further goals despite us using all three subs. Then came that desperate scramble in front of goal when we were just unable to get the ball past those determined defenders who somehow managed to block every effort.