Debutant Charles-Smith's late strike sends ten-man Gosport Borough to defeat at Farnborough

Debutant Marc Charles-Smith's 88th-minute strike sent ten-man Gosport Borough to a 2-1 Southern League premier south defeat at Farnborough.
Tony Lee struck for ten-man Gosport in the defeat at Farnborough. Picture: Duncan ShepherdTony Lee struck for ten-man Gosport in the defeat at Farnborough. Picture: Duncan Shepherd
Tony Lee struck for ten-man Gosport in the defeat at Farnborough. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

Tony Lee looked to have clinched a point for battling Borough, with his leveller 16 minutes from time cancelling out Connor Cullen's ninth-minute opener.

But substitute Charles-Smith, signed from Wingate & Finchley earlier in the day, netted on 88 minutes to win it for Farnborough.

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While it proved a debut to forget for new Gosport addition George Bennett, who was sent off with 19 minutes left as Borough suffered an eighth loss in ten league matches.

Cullen fired Farnborough ahead after nine minutes, tapping home from a cross.

Gosport, who looked threatening, were reduced to ten men on 71 minutes when debutant Bennett received his marching orders.

Remarkably, Borough levelled four minutes later. The ball fell to the feet of Lee from a free-kick and he fired home.

There was to be a late twist, though. Charles-Smith, introduced in place of Perry Coles, didn't take long to open his account for the club, grabbing what proved to be the winner after 88 minutes.