MANAGER Russell Dodd felt aggrieved not to have taken all three points after Highgate United earned a 1-1 draw at league leaders Walsall Wood.
Ryan Conlon’s leveller gave Highgate a share of the spoils last weekend. The point ended a run of five successive defeats in Midland League Premier Division but Dodd felt they merited more.
“Before the game I would have been more than happy to have come away with a point, but by the end and for the first time in several weeks, I felt we deserved more,” said Dodd.
“The loss of Corey Currithers to a hamstring injury shortly before kick-off upset my plans to an extent, but I was still able to put out, what on paper, was our strongest line up in a long while.
“The team played with far more shape and discipline than I’ve seen recently, I cannot fault their commitment and endeavour over the whole of the 90 minutes.”
Walsall were the brighter of the two sides in the early exchanges, forcing Highgate keeper James Beeson into saves from Chad Degville-Cross and Jack Till from close range, while Lei Brown’s strike past Brandon Canley was ruled out for offside down the other end.
The hosts were then awarded a fortuitous penalty following an alleged foul by Beeson on Till, which allowed Mitch Tolley to fire home from the spot.
But to Gate’s credit, they did not lose hope and dragged themselves level five minutes later through Conlon, who turned the ball home following a goalmouth scramble from James Wilcock’s free-kick.
The goal inspired the visitors to go and search for a second after the interval, but despite two golden chances falling to Brown and Wilcock, they couldn’t find a winner.
Highgate head to Derbyshire side Gresley on Saturday (3pm).
