Kirkby FC 2–2 Wessex United: the draw continues

Match report

Kirkby FC 2–2 Wessex United. A point that keeps Kirkby in 17th, still chasing a win in a run of draws that is no longer funny, if it ever was. The league table before kick-off on Tuesday 18 August provided a reasonably clear contrast: Kirkby on 23 points, Wessex in 6th, separated by 13 points and a small ocean of confidence. The final score, on the balance of play, was probably fair. It also did neither side many favours.

The opener, at 21 minutes, was a set-piece goal with a familiar shape: Ingmar Achterberg rising to meet a Lansana Berhe-Tewelde delivery. The header was planted with the calm of a man who had scored against Wigston earlier this month and saw no reason to stop. Wessex were reasonably good value for that lead, moving the ball with a structural patience. For about eight minutes, it looked like routine.

Kirkby's reply was less planned. Rolfdieter Barthold-Engel, quiet until then, found space amid defensive confusion and slotted past the keeper at 29 minutes, assisted by Benedito Almeida-Prado. It was a goal that changed the temperature of the ground without actually changing the flow. The first half tailed off to 1-1, which felt accurate.

Then Wessex shifted up a gear. Élton Brejo-Alegre, scorer of the opener at Aigburth back in July, met Fabiano Caetano's cross with a header at 68 minutes. It was the sort of goal that suggests an away win. Kirkby's shape had loosened, their midfield stretched, and the visitors were enjoying the wide spaces.

Robustness is a Kirkby trait this season, for better and worse. They were level at 80 minutes through Egidio Castagna, who converted Barthold-Engel's second assist of the evening. The equaliser was scrappy, which suited the occasion. Anyone expecting a winner overlooked the exhaustion.

The final note was Florencio Frutos-Lara's straight red card at 90 minutes. Kirkby will feel a little hard done by, but he was never going to influence a game that had already stopped. The suspension carries over, mind.

The league is unforgiving: Matchday 25 arrives tomorrow, and Kirkby still have to find a way to turn these points into three.