After last weeks shambles Sarum got back on track this week and with manager Dave Rawkins back in the dugout he managed to galvinise his young side into a seasons best performance as they travelled to league leaders Devizes and were desperately unlucky not to pick up all three points.
Sarum started the game in tremendous fashion and were first to everything with great energy which had the home side struggling to get into the game. Sarum were the first to create chances as Dan Paddington fired just wide. Marcus Giddings then had a great chance from a lovely thru ball but the home keeper pulled off a great save. Sarum hit the bar with a thunderous shot that the keeper somehow tipped onto the bar as youth got closer and closer. Archie Lovegrove also burst into the box dancing past a couple of defenders but his finish hit the post from a tight angle. Joe Rawkins was dominating the midfield and his range of passing was superb and kept Sarum on the front foot til half time. The only chance of note for the table toppers was a shot from distance that hit the post but was covered by Chris Brown.
The second half continued in the same way but the home side were more in the game but were kept at distance by some excellent defending by the Sarum back line. Lovegrove shot just over and Paddington went close twice but the home keeper was in inspired form. Against the run of play Devizes finally took the lead with a superb strike from the edge of the box that Brown had no chance with. This only spurred Sarum on again who continued to force the play. Sarum introduced fresh legs from the bench with Adam Cain, Sam Revel and Jake Rawkins coming on to push Town even further back. Joe Rawkins lovely crossfield ball fell at his brothers Jake Rawkins feet whose instant control and hit just went wide. Sarum finally got their just rewards when a quick Lovegrove free kick tried to pick out the electric Jake Rawkins but was intercepted by the defender who tried to head back to his keeper but it lobbed over him into the net. Sarum spent the last ten mins camped in the Devizes half trying to get the winner. Cain made a great run from the back to find himself free in the box but his control let him down with the goal at his mercy as the game ended in a draw much to the relief of the home side.
Rawkins .....“ The players had a lot to prove after last weeks shambles. I could not be more pleased as they showed a superb attitude and focus this week with every player putting in a tremendous display. We were the better side for most of the game and hit the woodwork three times and with a bit more luck would have won comfortably. This game showed what they are capable of in this league but they have to play with that effort and desire every week”
