Hallam suffered late heartbreak at Sandygate in a 2-2 draw with Barton Town.

The Countrymen had gone in front after Brodie Litchfield’s opener before Thomas Waudby struck back shortly after.

Rio Allan thought he’d won it after his goal in second half stoppage time before Barton’s Grant Tait equalised with the last kick of the game.

The game was a slow burner throughout, although Hallam had the better of the early chances as Ross Goodwin fired wide after some uncertain goalkeeping.

And the hosts took the lead with the game’s first real shot on target, when Brodie Litchfield’s glancing header bounced in off the post with Barton only able to half clear the ball.

The visitors had a chance to respond soon after when Scott Phillips’ close range shot was blocked by Hugo Warhurst.

But the equaliser came just short of the half hour when Waudby slotted home after a header back across the penalty area by Andrew Norfolk.

In a game of relatively few clear cut opportunities, both sides struggled to get going after the break.

Barton came close when Scott Phillips’ back post header from a corner went wide.

And Howarth came within inches of putting the Countrymen ahead when he headed across the face of goal from the right hand post.

Hugo Warhurst was required to smartly turn away a shot from distance as the game moved towards stoppage time.

And Hallam thought they’d done enough to take all three points at the death when substitute Rio Allan drove the ball into the left corner, with goalkeeper James Hitchcock deceived by a wicked deflection.

But Barton had other ideas, and found the equaliser with almost the last kick of the game when Will Waudby’s cross was brought down by Grant Tait, who subsequently fired home to break Hallam hearts.

The result leaves the Countrymen just outside the playoffs, whilst Barton move up to 13th.

Joe, Hallam FC Media

Pic courtesy of Matt H

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