Baltic Vets 2 Eltham STC 2

Baltic missed a great opportunity for back to back wins for the first time this season after a frustrating draw with STC. A nightmare opening 10 minutes left them with a mountain to climb which they couldn't quite reach the summit of. STC's first goal came from a misplaced pass in the centre of the Baltic half, the striker racing through to finish calmly in the corner. Things went from bad to worse five minutes later as an STC counter attack from another misplaced Baltic pass led to a foot race between the striker and limping Paul West in the Baltic goal with only one winner. The two chances gifted to STC would be the only chances they had all game as immediately from the restart Baltic tightened up and took control.

The hosts thought they were back in the game 15 minutes in, Scott Poulier releasing Adrian Bradley who took it round the impressive STC keeper but ran out of pitch. Baltic continued to create chances, Scott Poulier beating the defender for pace on the right hand side before drilling a low effort that the keeper superbly got a hand to before it agonisingly bounced over the bar.

Baltic's half time team talk was more of the same, don't panic and we will get back in the game and two minutes in, the goal that Baltic's endeavour deserved, came. Dave Barrett broke into the box and although he claims it came off his laces, his shinned effort slammed into the top corner, the keeper having no chance, and Baltic sniffing blood. Half chances came and went for the home side but they remained camped in STC's half with the visitors looking more and more off their feet. With the impressive Arron Watmore, having moved to centre back, controlling the Baltic back line, any hopeful punts upfield by the visitors were easily dealt with.

In the 67th minute, Riccardo Cattaneo swung a great cross into the box and Phil Broughton managed to shoulder the ball into the net with the sun causing all sorts of problems to the keeper and defence. 2-2 with over 20 minutes to go. Surely, Baltic would now put STC to the sword. The hosts continued wave after wave of attacks but were guilty of trying to walk the ball in the net. Les Corker slalomed his way past a number of STC challenges only to pass the ball when well placed to shoot. Dave Barrett had a couple of efforts as well, but Baltic could not find the back of the net for the winner. A missed opportunity