Late equaliser denies Wells

A late equaliser from Street denied Wells City all 3 points in the local Bank Holiday derby game at The Tannery on Boxing Day.
Following a fairly uneventful first half, the game came to life early in the second half once Wells had scored and although Street possibly shaded the game in terms of possession, it was Wells who had the better of the goal scoring opportunities and a share of the spoils was probably a fair reflection of the game.
Street had three new signings in their line up and they look as though they have the ability to improve the team, whilst Wells were clearly missing both Tom Manning and Mark Randall from their line up.
The game once again lacked the passion that was needed in the opening 45 minutes, but once Wells had taken the lead early in the second half, the game sprung into life and the second half showed a marked improvement in terms of commitment and the willingness from both sets of players to force a result.
Street produced the first opportunity of the game on 5 minutes when a Joe Grimstead cross was met by Steve Njie at the near post, but the strikers flicked effort was comfortably saved by Ben Dancey.
Steve Murray in his first game for Street since leaving Wells City, saw an effort flash wide of the far post from a tight angle and Harry Lewis, Steve Njie and Ian Howse all failed to get onto a cross whipped in by Grimstead from out wide on the left flank.
Wells in the main were on the back foot in the opening third of the game, but defensively they were well organised and Street in truth were not posing too many problems, especially down the flanks.
The final action of the opening period saw Steve Murray test Ben Dancey, but the Wells shot stopper saved comfortably.
It was in many ways a disappointing opening half, but the game sprung into life at the start of the second half, with Wells taking the lead.
Harry Lewis lost his man from a Ross Mcerlain free kick and it was Josh White who volleyed home from close range.
Wells were then reduced to 10 men on the hour when referee David Bryant sent off defender Ben Higgins. There had been a lot worse challenges during the game and unless the player had said something to the referee, the decision appeared to be harsh.
Street pushed Ben Amghar forward in search of an equaliser and he almost lifted the ball over the head of Dancey on 70 minutes, but the keeper was alert to the situation and saved comfortably above his head.
Wells immediately broke away and Matt Hurley should have done better from close range as he twice failed to score from the edge of the six yard box.
Keiron White who had replaced the ineffective Jamie Howson almost doubled Wells advantage on 80 minutes with a curling shot from 20 yards that beat Tom Punchard, but the ball came back off an upright.
Street however ended the game strongly and they scored the all important equaliser after Steve Murray had been fouled on the edge of the Wells penalty area.
Murray whipped in a low free kick and it was Ben Amghar who dived in at the far post to head past Dancey on 82 minutes.