Spotted Dog 2 Robert Thompsons 2

SPOTTED Dog got the point they needed to keep them in division one and send Blue Star down instead with a dramatic draw against league runners-up Robert Thompsons at Aldborough St John on Sunday.

In a season prolonged by the bad winter weather, Spotted Dog arrived knowing they needed to end a tough campaign with at least a point if they were to survive another season in the top flight.

Meanwhile, the visitors from Thirsk had ensured the runners- up spot with a great run of ten league matches without defeat going back to February, and they knew they could do neighbours Blue Star a favour by ending their season with another win.

With the pressure on the hosts, they started rather nervously, but soon settled down and began to enjoy more possession in the first half, although chances were few and far between. In fact, Dog’s James Briggs was the busier of the two keepers and he did well to deny both Dan McAlmont and Stu Rose before the break.

But it was the hosts who grabbed the lead within five minutes of the restart when Michael Richardson whipped the ball in from the left and Mark Swanwick drilled it past Thompsons’ stand-in keeper Liam McAlmont from the edge of the area.

That briefly lifted the tension and Dog looked to seal their safety as both Richardson and Danny Connelly went close to doubling their advantage soon after.

But, despite being understrength and having nothing but pride to play for, Thompsons dragged themselves level with 20 minutes to go as Rose beat three challenges before firing firmly past Briggs from 12 yards.

With the watching Blue Star contingent now beginning to believe it could be their day after all, the hosts looked nervous and Thompsons regained the initiative.

But Briggs steadied the ship with saves from Mark Karvounis and Rose to keep the Dog level before they broke out to seal their safety in the very last minute.

Steven Cooper did well down the right before slipping the ball through to Richardson, who kept his cool to beat McAlmont from the edge of the area.

Thompsons did manage to preserve their long unbeaten record when Karvounis turned the ball home from close range deep into injury time, but it was too late to save their Thirsk neighbours and Spotted Dog will be playing division one football again next season.