It was late heartbreak once again for the yellows as we conceded over the allocated added minutes for the second consecutive home game. There was one change to the Sudbury lineup, Callum Page replacing Josh Allen. So, the defence was kept the same following the 2-2 draw last week, Philp in goal and a back three of Lewis, Oluwatimilehin, and Dickens. The midfield also kept the same shape with Pinnington and Ololade in the wide positions and Hunter and Turner holding down the fort in the middle. In attack we had Napa and Page either side of Neal. We had a full bench once again, Bradbrook, Brown, Dunne, Bradley and Allen

In the first half, we were far from having a classic on our hands. The visitors definitely started with more of the possession but the failed to create any real chances, as the match started off a bit flat. The best chance of the half fell to Joe Neal as he was denied by the feet of Platt. The highlight for most fans was the battle between Olu and Halesowen’s number 9- Miracle Okafor. Two powerful players going up against each other, with both of them trying to get the better of the other. I did think that Olu did a very good job.

Half-Time: AFC Sudbury 0-0 Halesowen Town

In the second half, we forced into an early change as Joe Neal went off in some discomfort and he was replaced by Josh Allen. The visitors should have taken the lead as Okafor wasted a huge chance, hitting over the crossbar. However, unfortunately, it didn’t hold him back and a minute later he fired across Philp and into the back of the net to give Halesowen the lead. The Suds fired back though as Malachi Napa made a fantastic run down the left hand side and drove a low cross into the box, which Josh Allen tapped in to score his first Sudbury goal. Five minutes later, Josh did it again! Romario’s shot was deflected through the legs of the defender, falling to Josh who coolly slotted past the ‘keeper to give the yellows the lead. High on confidence, Josh wanted his hat-trick, but he was denied spectacularly by Platt. As we ticked into the 90, the board was held up with five added minutes. In the 97th minute, the visitors were awarded a free kick for a soft foul, they crossed into the box and Caine Elliott stabbed in to equalise for Halesowen.

Full-Time: AFC Sudbury 2-2 Halesowen Town

Well, frustrating especially as that is the third match in a row that something has gone against us in added time, luckily last week we had some penalty heroics. As frustrating as it is, we have to focus on the positives, in which we have a lot. Josh Allen’s first two goal for the Suds, off the bench showing his goal scoring ability, how we came from behind to lead. Even how we took a team as good as Halesowen right to the wire. Don’t forget that the same team beat us 4-1 earlier in the season. We are going to need to put this behind us, despite how difficult that might be to do, and keep our fantastic support going. Next up we have Telford, a team we play for the first time this season and a team occupying the final play off place. It’s going to be tough, but every game in this league is.

UP THE SUDS

By Isaac Mennie