Worcester Park were fortunate to escape with a point from a scrappy encounter with an energetic Cobham team, writes Darren Talbot.

A dire first half was punctuated only by the occasional shot at goal from the impressive Cobham centre forward, Mensah, who threatened throughout the match until his substitution late in the second half.

Worcester Park hardly threatened and arguably their closest effort of the first half was an Adam Stones strike from the halfway line which was comfortably saved by the young Cobham keeper.

It was a major surprise, therefore, when the league leaders were awarded a penalty for a debatable handball just 3 minutes before the break. Chad Heuston calmly side-footed the penalty past the keeper for his 5th goal of the season.

Two minutes later Worcester Park had another penalty shout, but this time the officials decided the ball had made contact with chest rather than arm.

Cobham started the second half looking deflated and Worcester Park were the more likely to score for the first ten minutes of the half – and for the only time in the game – but shots on target remained few and far between for either side.

Both keepers were virtual spectators on a hard, bouncy and dusty pitch which made skilful football practically impossible. Pretty it was not and the £5 programme-less entrance fee was looking increasingly poor value for both sets of supporters.

However, backed by the partisan and vocal home crowd, Cobham fought their way back in the game, and in the 68th minute they too were awarded a penalty this time for an Adam Stones challenge on Mensah. Stones clearly had his arms around the tall centre forward and the penalty was stroked into the bottom corner by Shane Rideout.

Rideout was booked shortly afterwards for a strong challenge on keeper Peter King, who was also cautioned for his angry reaction to the challenge but at least this whipped the crowd into a frenzy and produced some excitement.

With substitute Scott Day providing width and speed down the right flank, Cobham created numerous chances in the last 15 minutes most of which fell to Elliott Beim who failed to hit the target with no less than a hat-trick of chances.

Worcester Park will be rueing this performance and the missed opportunity to strengthen their lead at the top of the table.

CB Hounslow United beckon at home next weekend with a “six-point” trip to title contenders Hartley Wintney the week after.

Worcester Park: King; Drew, Stones, Petruziello, D Dunning; Chaney (Teuten 81), Calicott, G Knowelden, Gardiner (Beale 45); Heuston (J Williams 62), J Dunning.