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A last-gasp Craig Massey penalty rescued 3 points for 9-man Robin Hood, as they ran out winners against a dangerous RIS side in this season's opening BPL fixture.
In a match with more end to end action than a night round Diamond's, it was the pacy attacking and movement of the RIS Thais that seemed most likely to open the scoring.
But their goal never came and gradually the Robins edged back into the game, Wallace putting a header narrowly wide and Parker stretching to reach a crossed ball that he could only direct over the bar.
Right on the stroke of half-time though, the breakthrough finally arrived after great work from Parker down the right. The Pikey (sorry, Ulsterman) showed uncharacteristic determination to beat 2 defenders, before generously cutting back to Hamill, six yards out. Last seasons top scorer, with 22 goals from 12 starts, had been snapped up in pre-season for a bottle of magners and a plate of onion rings. His side-foot finish was never in doubt. (1-0)
Within minutes of the restart the roles were reversed as this time Hamill jinked past 2 before chipping into the box. Parker's chest control with his back to goal was good, the volleyed finish worthy of the win alone. (2-0) Or so some seemed to think... but it was never going to be that easy.
Sensing nerves in the Hood's ranks as they wasted energy arguing in the sun, RIS fought hard to get back into the game. A hooked clearance fell to the left of the Robin's box, and the feet of the RIS winger. He skinned Cogley, who left the field soon after in a mix of pain and embarrassment, to set up a simple finish. (2-1). And moments later it was all level, as several failed clearances presented RIS with a chance to tie the game. (2-2)
Now players frustrations with the ref and themselves boiled over, both teams reduced to 10-men amid a spate of bookings. It went from bad to worse for the Hood, as Parker ruined his best performance in red and black yet, picking up a second yellow as the clock ran down. Then, just as both sides seemed to have settled for a draw, Hamill was brought down inside the box. A clear penalty setting up a result that, on another day, could have gone the other way. |
