Uppingham Town share the spoils with Long Sutton in a Peterborough League Premier Division clash
A combination of the woodwork and some inspired goalkeeping prevented Uppingham Town from taking maximum points in Saturday's home clash with Long Sutton.
The 1-1 draw ensured that Paul Sheehan's side are unbeaten in their last three Peterborough League Premier Division games.
But that points return could have been slightly more healthier after Saturday's clash at Tod's Piece where the brilliance of Magpies goalkeeper Adam Groves and some late near misses prevented Town from netting a hat-trick of wins.
Sheehan said: "We played alright and, although it was disappointing to only draw the game, their goalkeeper had a blinder and was the best player on the pitch.
"It was a good game of football between two experienced sides, but we had the better chances and their goalkeeper has pulled off about three or four worldie saves.
"We've hit the crossbar and post several times as well and it was just one of those games where the ball wouldn't go into the net.
"Long Sutton are a decent side though. They try to play football and their two strikers are lively so it definitely wasn't all one-way.
"It was a game between two committed sides, but we were disappointed not to win it after carving out the better chances.
"We have to look at the positives though and we're now three games unbeaten and we will be trying to keep that run going again this weekend. We need to find that consistency to keep picking up results."
Town came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening 10 minutes when Martin Turiccki saw a stinging shot tipped onto the crossbar by Groves.
They then hit the front after 25 minutes when James Howe's shot was deflected into the path of Rob Forster who showed good control and finished in a one-on-one.
Town continued to have the lions share of the play but Sutton came close to levelling 10 minutes before the break when a cross to the back post found an unmarked Magpies player whose shot brought a super save out of home custodian Tom Hubbard.
That ensured Town held the lead at the break and they started the second half looking to increase their advantage.
Callum O'Berg saw a goalbound effort which was destined for the top corner tipped onto the crossbar by Groves before Sutton struck back midway through the half.
Town didn't deal with a free-kick into their penalty area and the ball found its way through to the unmarked Chris Ward who fired home the equaliser at the back post.
The hosts responded well and with 15 minutes remaining Jordan Spencer saw an initial effort saved by Groves.
The rebound came back to Forster 20 yards out and he shot towards goal but Groves, despite still being grounded, somehow managed to miraculously recover and tip the effort onto the crossbar.
As the game entered its dying throes, Town made one last push for a winner in a dramatic finale.
Spencer saw another shot saved by Groves with Rob Montgomery latching onto the rebound.
His cross picked out Robbie Pearce who produced a brilliant bicycle kick which smashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced down to Forster who sent a header against a post.
The ball came back to Forster again and his effort was then cleared off the line as Sutton somehow held out to return home with a point.
Sheehan added: "If the ball had gone in, in what was the last minute, then you're left feeling totally different but we competed well.
"We do need to do a bit better out of possession but we are getting there.
"It's a strong league this season and all the teams are giving you tough games. Every game you play you have to earn the right to win it because nobody is going to lie down and give it to you so we have to perform every week at a certain level."
Uppingham make the trip to face Leverington this weekend.
Their reserves shared the spoils for the third time in six Division Four games this season after a 1-1 draw at Warboys on Saturday. Findlay Bishop netted their goal.