Combined Counties Premier Division

Bookham 1 Chertsey Town 1

HARD graft and determination saw an under strength Bookham deny Chertsey all three points in bright sunshine at Meadowbank.

Missing several key players through injury, suspension, and other commitments reserve team players Matty Read and Mark Boakye were drafted in to the centre of midfield with James Griffin and 17-year-old centre half Michael Smith shoring up the bench.

Billy Ramsey was also on the bench not considered fit enough to start after a three week injury lay-off.

The game started at a furious pace but with few real chances, however Mark Jarman had an early opportunity as he failed to capitalise on a poor back pass.

The same player then should have put Bookham in front on the half hour when he got behind the Chertsey defence but his lob over the advancing keeper was just to low allowing a fingertip save.

Chertsey hit back and forced a fine save from Warren Aburn as half-time approached.

Unfortunately Mark Boakye suffered an injury that curtailed his debut and was replaced by Griffin who, playing in an unaccustomed central midfield role, had to work extra hard to make an impact and frustrate the visitors.

The second half saw much of the same as the visitors worked hard to make their extra ability count on a hard bouncy pitch, however, Bookham always looked a threat with Alex McGregor looking a good foil for Jarman up front.

Jarman was captaining the side in the absence of Stuart Padgett and his competitive approach was causing some loss of composure in the home defence.

As the half progressed though the pressure on the Bookham goal grew with the visitors winning a succession of corners and free-kicks.

Bookham introduced Ramsey in place of James Piercy. The fresh legs gave Bookham an extra dimension going forward as the game looked to be heading for a goalless stalemate.

However, a long throw into the box on 88 minutes eluded everyone apart from Chertsey striker John Pomroy who scored from a spectacular overhead kick.

With time running out deep into injury time a needless free-kick gave Bookham a last opportunity and McGregor's delivery was met at the near post by Chris Woodward and his header looped over the stranded keeper.

The point gained by Bookham will give much needed confidence as they continue a tough run in to the end of the season, while Chertsey's faint hope of promotion has almost certainly evaporated.

Bookham play away at Ash United on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off at Youngs Drive, before returning to Meadowbank on Tuesday March 31 when they face high-flying Cove. Kick off will be at 7.45pm.

Bookham: Aburn, Currie, Van Gelder, Woodward, Hartt, Dicks, Piercy (Ramsey), Boakye (Ramsey), Read, Jarman, McGregor.