Tipton St John 1, Alphington Reserves 1 Tipton went into the game off the back of a heavy defeat last week, but had obviously worked hard at training during the week and looked solid from a defensive point of view, writes Richard Wiliams.

During an evenly contested first half, chances were few and far between. Alphington went closest on 12 minutes when a deflected shot hit the crossbar and bounced back into play and two minutes later Tipton had an effort cleared off the line from a long throw.

On the half hour a James Gosney header from a corner was easily saved and two minutes later Alphinton had a shot which went high over the bar.

The second half produced more of the same and Tipton went close on 56 minutes when following a great run and cross from the left by Jody Freeman, Jack Collins appeared to be impeded in the penalty area causing his header to go wide, but sadly no foul was forthcoming.

On 62 minutes Tipton keeper Dale Strawbridge made a simple save, his first of the match, following a decent passage of play from Alphington.

Two minutes later Tipton produced the best bit of football of the match when Neil Gooding linked with Jamie Connett and Jody Freeman who laid the ball on for Jack Collins to knock home from close range to give Tipton the lead.

Unfortunately Tipton switched off temporarily and Alphington broke back straight from the restart to equalise from a close range shot. Both teams then battled hard without creating any clear cut chances until the 90th minute when Neil Gooding won the ball on the left in his own half and ran with it beating thee defenders before cutting inside and hitting a decent shot from 20-yards which the Alphington keeper managed to grab on his second attempt.

Man of the Match for Tipton was industrious midfielder Jack Collins. Mention should also be made of centre backs James Gosney and Jake Freeman who both also had fine games.

Meanwhile, Tipton 2nds drew 0 - 0 with the Met Office. Ash Connett was Man of the Match. Tipton 1st’s next game is away against Witheridge 2nds.

Tipton 2nds are at home at Withycombe Common against Newton St Cyres. Both games kick off at 3pm.