MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
TEMPLE FORTUNE 3 L'EQUIPE 3
Simon Linden reflected on what he described as a missed opportunity after Temple Fortune drew 3-3 against league leaders L'Equipe.
Jordan Sharifia scored the goal of the game but it looked as though L'Equipe had done enough to register their sixth consecutive victory through Andy Smith, Jon Kay and Mark Korn.
But Fortune rallied, with strikes from Brett Stead and Aron Barnes earning them a share of the spoils.
TFFC boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: "You would think I would be satisfied with a point this morning against the league leaders, but we should have taken advantage against an under-strength L'Equipe team.
"Just like last week against Catford, we played some good football in spells and deserved to get more out of the game. We conceded two soft goals and gave away a penalty, yet controlled most of the game so it was frustrating."
Linden, who was appointed boss during the summer, insists Fortune can still have a say in the promotion race.
"We have now played the four teams I fancy to be pushing for a promotion spot so after seven games we are going about our business ok but the next month is crucial.
"It's important we start winning games, starting next week against Hertswood."
L'Equipe boss Nick Stern told JC Sport: "With only 11 players able to make it this week, and playing against a full-strength Temple Fortune, including the "absent Aron Barnes," who magically appeared, we put in a performance that I was so so proud of.
"Each of the 11 members of our team were warriors and that’s the only way to describe them. Yes we took the lead twice and were 10 minutes away from three points, but to play and respond the way we did was phenomenal.
"We will remember this point at the end of the season as one of the most important ones of the whole campaign. Again, I want to thank each and every one of the boys that played this weekend and it fills me with great excitement for the rest of the season, when even with our backs fully against the wall, we can fight and come away still undefeated!
