A CALAMATIOUS own goal from a Bedlington Town defender came as a huge relief to Prudhoe YC Seniors.

On a frustrating day which saw them unable to make the most of their chances, they were given a huge slice of luck in the 88th minute to see them grab a point from their 2-2 draw with Town.

Matty Robinson floated in a late free kick but it looked harmless as the overhit set piece cleared the incoming Prudhoe players. An unchallenged Bedlington player attempted to head the ball clear under no pressure, but the ball struck the side of his head and looped over his own goalkeeper from 12 yards out to level the scores.

The point came as a huge relief to Prudhoe who again showed signs of inconsistency during an up-and-down season, following on from a rampant 9-0 victory away to Whitburn Athletic.

They went into the game on a small pitch with a poor playing surface buoyed by the nine goal triumph, but it was clear they were uncomfortable early on as they were given little time on the ball against a hard working Town.

Despite not being able to play their usual passing game, they were creating chances from a more direct tactic as they looked to use the pace of frontmen Adam Greenwood and Sean Brown.

The latter went close on seven minutes following a great through ball from Dale Watson, but the momentum quickly was with Bedlington as they went up the other end and opened the scoring via a deflected shot from 15 yards out. Prudhoe were level on 18 minutes as they caught Town two on two, Greenwood breaking clear down the left and squaring to strike partner Brown to finish from close range.

A minute later and Brown headed Robinson’s free kick just wide, and the miss was punished as Bedlington broke and a cross from the left was steered home to put the home side break in front.

Prudhoe were playing poorly as they repeatedly gave the ball away, but they still fashioned a number of chances in the first half.

Sam Brown headed wide, Jordan Phillips’ 20 yard drive just cleared the bar, John Hudson headed an effort just over, and Sean Brown missed a great chance after Greenwood again squared. Things improved after the break but Robinson couldn’t find the back of the net after creating four great chances, while Greenwood shot agonisingly wide of the post.

It looked like Prudhoe were to return to Tynedale empty handed until the comical own goal ensured they at least had a point to show for their efforts.