Sarries forced to settle for a point after quick-fire Wantage double

Goals from Josh Aldridge and Joe Richards weren’t enough as Wantage Town came from behind to rescue a point at Petersfield Park in a 2-2 draw, writes Alfie Richmond.

Sarries were looking to maintain their unbeaten home record as they welcomed league-leaders Wantage, kick-starting the bank holiday weekend’s double-header. The two sides met three times last season — with The Freds winning both league meetings, while Saracens prevailed in the FA Vase.

Little goal-mouth action occurred in the first 30 minutes, up until Jack Hughes miskewed a header and Ryan Dobbins looped an effort over the bar for the hosts.

Dobbins was denied by Wantage keeper Thomas Rees six minutes later, before Sarries opened the scoring.

Josh Aldridge whipped a cracking free-kick into the top corner to break the deadlock.

Wantage’s Seth Humphries flashed a dangerous-looking ball across the Sarries box, but there was nobody on hand to apply the finishing touch — the closest the visitors had come in the first half.

Aldridge’s strike was the difference at half-time as the home side led 1-0.

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It took just two minutes after the break for Saracens to double their lead.

Joe Richards rose highest to head home Alrdridge’s corner — a brilliant delivery that added an assist to his goal.

But a quick turn-around changed the tide of the game, as Wantage netted twice in five minutes to draw level.

Fred Matlock’s cross was turned in by a Sarries defender on 60 minutes, before Humphries found the newly-introduced Hari Dawson to head home at the back post.

Luke Hitchman headed everything that came his way after the equaliser, defending the hosts’ box excellently.

Neither keeper were tested after the goal, resulting in both teams settling for the point — a result Saracens would’ve felt worse off for.

There’s little time for either side to dwell on this one, with a quick turnaround seeing both back in action on Monday — Saracens travel to Chipping Sodbury Town, while Wantage host Swindon Supermarine Reserves. The first round of the UHL Challenge Cup follows next weekend, with Sarries welcoming Stonehouse Town and Wantage making the trip to Redditch Borough.

Subs: Bond (69’), L.Hitchman (18’), Alder (69’), Smith (88’), Price (69’).

Subs: Dance, Mills (89’), Downie, Dawson (59’), Gorman.

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Luke Hitchman (Cheltenham Saracens)