Plummer nets on Gosport debut – but Borough indebted to keeper O’Flaherty in draw with Merthyr

The latest disappointing result means Borough have slipped further out of contention for the Southern League Premier South play-off places.

Borough are ninth, eight points behind fifth-placed Taunton - but have played two more games.

The home side could count themselves extremely lucky not to have lost against the Welshmen.

It took a string of outstanding saves from goalkeeper Pat O'Flaherty and a stoppage-time equaliser from Matt Paterson.

Debut making Rudi Plummer, signed the previous day from Moneyfields, made an instant impact, giving the hosts a tenth minute lead.

Borough had chances to extend their lead but two goals in eight minutes early in the second half put the visitors in charge.

On 54 minutes Lee Lucas gave O'Flaherty little chance with a brilliant 25-yard strike.

Then Owain Jones skipped through the home defence to put his side in front.

In the final ten minutes O'Flaherty made two excellent stops which kept Borough in the game.

They proved crucial because deep into stoppage time Paterson smashed in a half-volley.

‘For the first 25 minutes we moved the ball well and got our rewards,’ said Borough boss Lee Molyneaux.

'As the game went on, second half in particular, we lost our way slightly.

'I've been asking my players to step up to the plate all season and the truth is not enough of them have reacted in the way needed.

'That said, I will back my players to the hilt and believe they are the most talented in our league.

'The challenge is getting the best out of them.

'Our second half was below par and we played poorly.

'It was only down to our goalkeeper and a late goal that we managed to salvage a point.'

Gosport are home again on Tuesday to Weston-super-Mare, who were thrashed 6-1 at home at the weekend by Hayes & Yeading.