St Andrews 2, Cromer Town 2FOR the first game of a very busy month, again Cromer were forced to make changes due to numerous team members being unavailable, writes Richard Cox.

St Andrews 2, Cromer Town 2

FOR the first game of a very busy month, again Cromer were forced to make changes due to numerous team members being unavailable, writes Richard Cox.

The game started very scrappy with neither side able to keep possession, the wind blowing across the pitch was also a factor.

The first chance came to the Saints when the ball was played through to the run of a midfielder who fired wide with his first-time strike.

Moments later Cromer took the lead with their first attack.

David Harwood played the ball over the St Andrews defence for James Pipe to chase. The on-rushing keeper and covering defender both missed the ball and allowed Pipe a simple tap-in. The Crabs went in at half-time with the lead.

Shortly after the break the home side grabbed an equaliser.

St Andrews were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Cromer box and Danny Pennel found the bottom corner, with Cromer keeper Kellett rooted to the spot.

Saints continued to push forward and soon added a second when a ball into the box wasn't cleared away as the Cromer defenders got in each other's way and Alex Taylor rose highest to header home.

It wasn't until the final 10 minutes that Crabs looked like causing any troubles to the home defence.

Some good passing on the edge of the box between Eves, Terrington and Smith resulted in Lewis Smith firing just wide.

On 86 minutes the Crabs did get an equaliser when Smith knocked the ball down for Darren Terrington who volleyed first time from 25 yards into the roof of the net.

In time added on Matthew Eves had a superb opportunity to steal all three points for Cromer when, from eight yards, he fired low at the feet of the goalkeeper who was able to push the ball away.

Cromer came very close to victory with the chance in the closing moments but until the last 10 minutes it had been a mediocre display at best from the Crabs, who will need to improve with some very difficult games coming up.

On Saturday afternoon they pay a visit to Dersingham.