BADSHOT LEA 2, RAYNES PARK VALE 2

BADSHOT Lea, having lost for the first time in 15 matches a fortnight before, very nearly suffered another defeat on Saturday.

Not for the first time in his long career, Brad Smith popped up to save the Baggies with a 90th-minute equaliser, just when Raynes Park Vale looked set to leave a freezing Krooner Park with all three points in this Combined Counties Division One match.

Most of the action came in the last 20 minutes, with Raynes Park scoring two quick goals to take the lead and then Smith snatching his second goal to salvage a draw.

The visitors, playing their first game for nearly three weeks, were eager for action and both sides had chances in a goalless first half, the Vale coming closest when they hit the woodwork.

But it was the Baggies who made the breakthrough 13 minutes into the second half. Smith latched onto a through-ball and fired in an angled shot that went in off a Raynes Park defender.

Badshot Lea chased a killer second goal and were thwarted by solid defending.

Then Vale threatened to turn the match on its head by scoring in the 72nd and 78th minutes.

Conor Turner provided the assist for Jack Williamson’s equaliser and Jordan Holmes put his side in front with a 10-yard shot. It was his first goal for the club.

Badshot Lea were staring defeat in the face as the game went into added time.

Then, following a corner, a steepling clearance fell straight back into the penalty area. Vale failed to clear their lines, the ball was crossed back in, and arch poacher Smith swivelled to force it past keeper Reece Turner.

Cue much jubilation amongst the Baggies and their supporters.

• Badshot Lea, who remain third in the table, face the toughest test of their promotion campaign when they visit Division One leaders Worcester Park this Saturday. If the weather relents, the Baggies will face a side who have won 21 out of 25 games and lost just twice.