Ricky’s spot on second time around

IT WAS a tale of two penalties for Ricky Johnson, who missed his first spot kick but redeemed himself with a second to earn Banbury a comefrom-behind point at home against Biggleswade Town.

The Waders went ahead on four minutes when a ball was played out to Inih Effiong on the right and he sent a lobcum-shot over keeper Jack Harding’s and into the net.

The Puritans’ first chance came on 19 minutes when George Jeacock was put through, but his shot was saved by Ian Brown.

Banbury continued to attack and Conor McDonagh and Marvin Martin’s shots were saved by Brown to keep Biggleswade in the game.

The hosts continued to dictate the pace but were unable to break through.

Conner Vincent had a snap shot easily saved by Harding six minutes before the break.

Right on half-time, the hosts were awarded a penalty after Jack Self was fouled in the area but Johnson’s spot kick was saved by Brown, who dove to his left.

Within two minutes of the second half, the Puritans won a corner but were unlucky to see captain Andy Gunn’s header hit the crossbar.

And the hosts were unfortunate again five minutes later as Brown brilliantly saved George Nash’s shot.

Craig Daniel almost made it 2-0 after 53 minutes but his shot was saved by Harding, and the Waders’ skipper went from near-hero to villain with- in a minute as he was booked for bringing down Johnson in the box to hand the Puritans a penalty.

Johnson bravely stepped up and this time he fired home to level the scores.

Callum White fired over the Biggleswade bar with four minutes to go as Banbury continued the pressure.

Going into the afternoon, the hosts had the chance to move up into fifth place, but it wasn’t to be as this game petered out into a draw.