Ryman League Division One South
South Park 2 Whitstable Town 1
South Park claimed the three points in a dramatic finish which saw both teams score and Park have a player sent off in stoppage time at the end of the second half.
Chris Smith had a shot blocked in the fourth minute after a probing run from Lavery. Watts headed behind for a corner to clear a dangerous cross at the far post before Campbell saved from Loynes.
Lavery's through ball found Chris Smith who knocked the ball past the advancing keeper but could only hit the side netting from an acute angle.
Lavery's shot on the run from 25 yards flew wide of the post and Hatfield's ball to Chris Smith was cut out by the Town centre half with the Park striker bearing down on goal. Campbell in the Park goal once again saved a long range shot and Higgins at full stretch cut out a cross as Whitstable were searching for the opening goal.
Watts and Dave Smith combined well down the right but Watts shot was blocked. Lavery's cross was headed behind for a corner which was scrambled clear seconds before the half time whistle blew.
Park broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when the ball dropped to Chris Smith 8 yards and the Park striker found the back of the net.
Lavery's header from Chris Smith's corner was deflected behind for another corner. Ayling's ball to the far post was headed back across goal where Higgins shot was tipped over the bar by Watkins. Pulman shot wide form 15 yards. Park were reduced to 10 men when substitute Jackson was sent off with 25 minutes to go after the referee consulted with both his assistants.
Michael Smith's speculative 30 yard shot flew wide of the upright. Campbell was forced to punch a right wing cross clear under severe pressure form the Whitstable forwards. Ayling's shot from 20 yards was blocked whilst Heard shot wide for Whitstable. Watkins at full stretch cut out Lavery's cross.
With the game into stoppage time Pulman broke clear of the Park defence and was brought down by Stafford in the area, who surprisingly was only shown a yellow card when most people thought the Park centre would be sent off. Pulman scored form the spot to level matters.
Straight from the re-start Lavery drove at the heart of the Whitstable defence beat four players before firing home from just inside the box to restore Park's advantage. There was still time for Stafford to pick up a second yellow card before the end of dramatic second half.
Park are next in action on Saturday 27th December when they travel to Carshalton Athletic (3.00 pm). They then have successive home fixtures against Walton & Hersham on Tuesday 30th December (7.45 pm) and Guernsey on Saturday 3rd January (3.00 pm).
South Park: Campbell, Watts, Hatfield, Stafford, Higgins, Ayling, Dave Smith, Michael Smith, Lavery, Chris Smith, Ward. Subs: Jackson, Guscott, David, Rice, Jee.
