Whitenap travelled to Colden Common for a tough assignment against inform title favourites Common Sports knowing that defeat would virtually cost them the title and hand it to their hosts.

 

Playing at Main Road Recreation Ground, in front of a large and hostile crowd, Whitenap were on the back foot early on as Common started brightly. The two teams had met several days earlier in the League Cup Final, where a below par Whitenap were well beaten but this time the Romsey side were able to field a stronger side and matched their illustrious hosts well before controversy struck on 22 minutes when the appointed linesman somehow missed two Common strikers clearly yards offside and keeper Andrew Costello, clearly expecting a whistle, fumbled the ball allowing a grateful opponent an easy opportunity to tap the ball into the empty net. Whitenap did well not to fall further behind with Richard Blake and returnee Dom Yeandle featuring well in defence. Whitenap grew in confidence and in the latter stages of the half began creating chances and were unfortunate to have a shot cleared off the line before striker Adam Sherman uncharacteristicly blazed over from close range.

 

The second half saw Whitenap lift their game as they put Common Sports under relentless pressure. However, it didn't look like it was going to be their day as the hosts held firm with some dogged defending and alert goalkeeping. Whitenap had to be alert at the back as they were caught pushing forward several times and almost punished for it - keeper Costello made amends for his previous howler with two fine saves. As the game wore on, Common began to tire and after several close attempts justice was finally done on 81 minutes when a good delivery from Ben Jerram was flicked home at the near post by the alert Lee Turski for a thoroughly deserved equaliser. An anxious finale followed, which saw both teams press for a winner but it wasn't to be as the scores ended level meaning that the title race will be settled this Sunday morning when the two teams play their final fixtures against Sutton Scotney and Monks respectvely.