Halstead Town's push for promotion was given a further boost when, in a turbulent second half, they eventually overcame Somersham.

The home side left it to the last moments of injury-time to bag the equaliser and the winner to keep them within three points of leaders Hadleigh United

Somersham took the lead early on but were reduced to ten men by the half-hour mark.

Jimmy Chatters equalised for the home side with three minutes before the end of the half, the striker headed in mifielder Matt Hearn's cross.

After the restart ten men Somersham came back into the match when Halstead failed to clear their lines.

Another defensive mix up allowed Justin Ives to grab a third for the visitors as they defied the odds against them.

Halstead, however, refused to lay down and Chatters was again on hand to narrow the score and set up for a hectic final minutes.

In the depths of injury-time Halstead drew level through veteran Steve Parnell.

Parnell seconds later turned provider when he laid on a pass to Matt Chinnery to strike home and grab a late winner at the depth.

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette