On the back of a three game unbeaten run, the Avenue Reserves made the short journey to Dewsbury, on Wednesday night, to face Overthorpe Sports Club in a Division One fixture.
On another hard pitch with an uneven bounce, Avenue began the brighter and created three decent openings, inside the first ten minutes.
At the other end, Luke Morris only had to watch a home effort sail over his bar.
Avenue then took the lead in the 12th minute.
Great work on the left from Jayden Cuffe, saw him float over an inviting cross, that evaded everyone apart from Jodi Tiffany, who forcefully headed home.
Overthorpe were rocked three minutes later, when Avenue extended their lead.
Mo Levi took advantage of some indecision in the home defence, gained possession and played a lovely pass to Cuffe, who finished superbly.
Avenue largely controlled the rest of the half and came close several times through Jayden Clough and Michael Douglas, whereas Overthorpe only had one notable chance to score, a free-kick outside the Avenue area that went over the bar.
Avenue led 2-0 at the break, seemingly well in charge of things, but there was a real sense among the supporters that another goal was required to put the game to bed.
The second half was only seven minutes old when Cuffe took a knock and was replaced by the returning Oskar Wota. The balance of play was starting to shift in the direction of the home side, although, at times, it was scrappy.
With 62 minutes played, Avenue gave away a needless free-kick which was deflected out of play for a throw-in. The resulting throw was met with a close range header, inside the post, to make it 2-1.
The next ten minutes of the game indicated what the outcome would eventually be.
Wota hit a bullet shot straight at the goalkeeper and moments later, after superb work by Levi, his cross was met by the totally unmarked Michael Douglas. ‘Mikey’ has been in red hot form lately, but his side-footed volley went over the bar, when he looked odds on to score.
Shortly after, another cross from Mo Levi found M. Douglas who shot just wide of the post, with the goalkeeper stranded.
At 3-1, the game would have likely been done and dusted but Avenue couldn’t finish it off. There was always a feeling that Overthorpe would draw level, and the equaliser came, with 17 minutes remaining.
The home side were awarded a free-kick, 25 yards out, and the resulting effort flew into the net.
Suddenly it was all hands on deck for Avenue. For the remaining time on the clock, they had to scrap for every ball, but, even then, they pressed forward when opportunities arose, as both teams went for the win.
It was end-to-end stuff and Avenue almost snatched it at the death when Levi shot straight at the goalkeeper.
With a two additional minutes required, Avenue left with a point, drawing 2-2.
There will be a feeling of disappointment at not seeing their lead out, but not many teams will leave Overthorpe this season with three points.
This young Avenue side have shown that they are more than capable of mixing it with bigger, more physical opponents.
By: Paul Waterhouse