EP draw at 10-man United

Both sides had loan signings on show from teams in higher leagues, and it was Terry Dodd who looked the most threatening for EP, heading just wide on four minutes. Just five minutes later, Dodd forced a good save from JJ Banasco-Zaragoza after a strong run down the left wing as the visitors failed to capitalise on their early dominance.

The hosts then came into the game as Nani Ali had a firm header well saved by Bognor loanee Tom Boyle on 28 minutes. A minute later the Mavericks did take the lead, however, with a screamer from Worthing loanee Josh Clack, who took his chance after Matt Axell failed to clear.

Clack’s shot from 30 yards was unstoppable and worthy of any game you could care to mention.

United’s joy quickly turned to exasperation on 32 minutes as Mark Burgess saw a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on Joe Shelley that Paul Curtis had no arguments with. It was Burgess’ third sending off of the season and will mean that the combative frontman, who is due to start a four-match ban on Saturday, will have a longer lay-off.

EP could have gone to the break on level terms as Shelley’s point-blank header from a Lee Barnard cross was superbly saved by Banasco-Zaragoza after 40 minutes.

The second period started with the visitors in the ascendancy and they were rewarded with a penalty after 51 minutes when Ali tripped Shaun Charles on the left-hand side of the area. The striker duly picked himself up and sent Banasco-Zaragoza the wrong way to level the scores.

Dodd had a number of chances, mainly of his own making, but had neglected to put 50p in his radar, leaving United to collect a well-deserved point.

Disappointed East Preston manager Dominic Di Paola said “All the postponements are not helping us at all.

“Some of our players haven’t kicked a ball for a fortnight and although Worthing United played well, we weren’t good enough.”

EAST PRESTON: Boyle; Duncan, Pullan, Franks, Axell; Rhodes, Barnard, Shelley, Charles; Foreman, Dodd. Subs: Grantham (Rhodes 63), Clark (Franks 82), Boddy.