Two goal-saving headers from defender Ben Baxter earned Brimscombe and Thrupp what could turn out to be a crucial Hellenic Premier Division point at Westfields on Saturday, writes Ian Morris.
The young left-back twice came to the rescue late on when he bravely cleared on the goal line from corners as the Brimmy defence held firm to secure a 1-1 draw.
Brimscombe and Thrupp started brightly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Oli Barnes got on the end of an Ollie Pitt cross and his deflected finish was too much for Ian Havard in the Westfields goal.
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The lead was, however, short-lived and the Hereford side equalised before the interval through Joe Davies. The centre-half was quickest to react when former Evesham Town striker Josh Hunt saw his shot blocked in the 38th minute.
Westfields, who were expected by many to challenge for the Hellenic League title this season, looked for an equaliser but found Gavin Jones in inspired form in the Brimmy goal. On the hour-mark he made an excellent finger-tip save to stop Matt McDonald’s diving header and was then relieved to see Baxter head clear from beneath his own crossbar from the resulting corner. Minutes later Baxter used his head again to keep the scores level and keep Brimmy in second place in the league table, four points behind leaders Cribbs.