Ben Marsden praised both goalkeepers after his Wimbledon side surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 with Surbiton on Saturday.
Matt Daly scored twice in ten second half minutes to claw Surbiton back from a 3-1 deficit to secure a point that was looking unlikely for most of the game after Chris Grassick earlier levelled for the leaders.
Wimbledon had taken the lead through Blake Govers, Steven Ebbers and Ali Brogdon with James Bailey and David Kettle each pulling off fine saves in the last few minutes to ensure they ended on even terms.
Despite being disappointed to surrender the lead, Marsden was pleased with the overall performance of the team.
“We’re fourth in the league, we’re confident that we’ll make the playoffs,” he said.
“We started very well, had some great early chances and we obviously took the lead in the game very well.
“We feel a bit disappointed to go from a 3-1 winning position to drawing 3-3 but on the whole we’re pleased with the performance.”
Along with his goal scorers Marsden was full of praise for both goalkeepers who each played a vital part in securing their side a point.
“Alistair Brogdon scored and had a good game and Blake Govers scored a good flick for us but there were other exceptional performances from our guys.
“Both keepers actually had a good game. Surbiton’s David Kettle had a good game and also James Bailey had a good game for us, particularly early on.
“It’s a game we should have won but also could have lost. There were lots of chances, it was a good spectacle, and we’re pleased to be where we are in the league.”
Wimbledon made the better start and took the lead after 15 minutes through Govers before a mistake at the back allowed Grassick to level ten minutes before the interval.
On the stroke of half time a flowing six pass move resulted in Ebbers leaving kettles helpless in the Surbiton goal to take a deserved half time lead.
Brogdon capitalised on a Surbiton error at the back to round the goalkeeper and double Wimbledon’s lead against the run of play but Daly reduced the deficit two minutes later.
Wimbledon still looked in control of the game with great pressing but a bad pass allowed Daly to break and again drag Surbiton back level to set up a tense finish.
“I thought we played well and to get a draw against Surbiton, and having taken four points off them all season, is quite pleasing.”
Picture courtesy of Rob Holding, with thanks
