Wealdstone 1-1 Eastbourne Borough
Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett was happy with his side's 'outstanding character' after their 1-1 draw with Eastbourne Borough.
Bartlett admitted his side were 'under the cosh for long periods' of the Conference South match on Saturday, but remained frustrated at the timing of The Sports equaliser which came just a minute from the end.
The manager who will be celebrating his 20th year in charge of Stones next year, said: "We are frustrated at the time of the goal but the character of the side when we were under the cosh for long periods was outstanding and has carried over from last season.
"The bottom line is that Eastbourne deserved a point as we just couldn't get a foothold in the second half as we defended deeper and deeper."
The newly promoted side started the more brightly and had an early chance fall to Scott McGleish, but they made the break-through midway into the first half when midfielder Luke Pigden scored from long range.
However, Eastbourne dominated much of the second half and finally got their reward late on despite some heroic defending and a string of fine saves from keeper Jonathan North, including a 58th minute Dean Sinclair penalty stop.
The equaliser finally came in the 89th minute when substitute Dean Bown nodded home at the far post after some good work from Gavin McCallum.
Stones are back in Conference South action at Bishop's Stortford tomorrow night.
