Peterborough Sports boss believes his second-placed side can’t now win the title after an exciting, frustrating and controversial draw

A sixth win in a row would have sent Sports into pole position, but instead Hednesford held out for a 3-3 draw from a cracking, and somewhat controversial, contest.

Refereeing controversy and bad luck dogged Sports who took a first-half lead through Josh Moreman before battling from behind twice with goals from Maniche Sani and Jim Stevenson to claim a point.

Sports are second, one point behind leaders Tamworth and one point ahead of third-placed Royston who both have two games in hand.

“One of them might slip up, but there’s no chance both will,” Dean said. “Our job now is to consolidate a play-off place and finish as high as we can to make sure we have home advantage in those play-offs. If we win seven of our last 11 matches we can do that.

“It was frustrating at Hednesford. It was a great game and we did well to come from behind twice, but we had chances to win it towards the end. One shot from Maniche hit Cameron Johnson right in front of goal and rebounded over the bar.

“We didn’t get the breaks from the referee either and for only the second time in my career I went to see the officials after the game. We had a very respectful conversation, but we were denied a clear penalty in the first-half and they should have had a man sent off in the second half.

“I’d have loved to go top obviously. but I can’t be disappointed as we are still in a great position.”

*Toby Allen scored twice as March Town moved into the semi-finals of the Eastern Counties Division One Cup with a 2-0 win at Norwich CBS.

Results

February 25

Southern League Premier Division Central: Hednesford Town 3, Peterborough Sports 3 (Moreman, Sani, Stevenson).

Eastern Counties Division One Cup: Norwich CBS 0, March Town 2 (Allen 2).