EIGHT goal-keepers and 40 players into the season, Blakeney's Reserve team sneaked a vital point against Redside on Saturday to keep alive – just! – their slim chances of avoiding the drop.

They now face possibly their biggest game of the season when they play Mushet. The Coleford-based team is just a point ahead with a grand total of six points to Blakeney's five.

Assistant manager Andrew Norris believes survival in Division 3 is still a possibility.

"Injuries have been a problem and we just haven't been able to field anything like a settled team," he says.

"Credit to the manager Wayne Adams because, come what may, he has managed to get a team out every week. Sometimes it has been a real struggle and that is reflected in the fact that we have fielded nearly 40 players including eight different goal-keepers."

Saturday's 'keeper, David O'Connell, produced a super second-half performance and, says Norris, pulled off at least three excellent saves.

But he was, says Norris, left stranded as Redside snatched the draw courtesy of an own goal.

"I'm not going to give the scorer's name away because it was my brother," he joked.

Blakeney had edged the first-half and took the lead with a goal by Phil Barker-Benfield. However it was all square at the interval.

Aiden Watkins put Blakeney back on track with a well taken goal before Redside pressure led to the own goal equaliser.

Blakeney looked the part for this match, the first time out in new kit presented by Phil Barker-Benfield.

"It's pretty remarkable really, as he has now supported the team for 20 years. That is a great commitment and we are very grateful for all he has done," said Norris.