Proud Peterborough Sports boss on a draw that felt like a victory

Sports were up against it after the hosts took a 3-1 lead against 10 men, none of whom was a recognised goalkeeper, with 13 minutes to go, but late set-piece headers from captain Carl Mensah and main man Leon Lobjoit secured an unlikely point.

Sports had led at the break though a Lobjoit goal, but a straight red card for goalkeeper Tom Jackson just before the break turned the game on its head. Sports had no sub goalkeeper so midfielder Michael Richens went in goal.

Sports report

“It feels like a win, like we’ve just picked up three massive points,” Drury told Peterborough Community Radio. “The players showed a lot of character and we were rewarded for being brave with our substitutions after going down to 10 men.

”I’ll always be prepared to lose a game 5-1 or 10-1 if there’s a chance of getting a point and it came off for us today. Anyone who gets anything from Needham Market away has done well and to do it like we did makes me very proud.

"We kept two up top even after going down to 10 men against a team who move you about so well. The goals we conceded were avoidable, but the response was impressive. We showed a lot of desire to get back into the game, helped by the quality Lewis Hilliard delivered when he went on.

"I did think we could be in for a long afternoon, but winning our previous game gave us the belief we could come back.”

Sports actually moved up four places to 12th with a point. They can expect to climb higher if Lobjoit retains his form. After a slow start to the season he has scored three times in his last two appearances for a team who are now three games unbeaten.

Lobjoit said: “I’ve had to be patient to get back to full fitness and the gaffer has looked after me really well. I’m playing with a smile on my face.”

Sports host Ipswich Wanderers in an FA Cup first qualifying round tie at PIMS Park on Saturday (September 5, 3pm).