Gravesend & N 1 Aldershot 1

CHARLIE MacDonald’s late equaliser earnt Gravesend & Northfleet a share of the points against Aldershot Town on Friday night.

Both goalkeepers played a big part in an entertaining match which saw both sides create countless chances at either end.

Gravesend manager Liam Daish handed new loan signing Chukki Eribenne his first start while captain Paul McCarthy returned to the side following a two-match suspension.

The visitors took the lead after just six minutes when Ryan Williams’ cross was cleared into the path of John Grant, who drilled home from the edge of the penalty area.

Aldershot goalkeeper Nikki Bull made a series of inspired saves before Fleet finally pulled level on 84 minutes.

Liam Coleman’s stunning 35-yard drive crashed against the bar and Joel Ledgister hit the woodwork from his follow-up, before MacDonald finished from close range.

Gravesend started the match brightly with Stacy Long and Coleman both firing wide before Aldershot’s opener.

In the second half, Bull had to be at his best to keep out a fierce drive from Jon Keeling after 64 minutes.

Shots had a good chance to double their lead just two minutes later when a low cross into the box was met by Jonny Dixon, but his effort was well blocked by Fleet goalkeeper Lance Cronin.

Dixon then saw his lob come off the bar on 74 minutes, before MacDonald fired home his 21st goal of the season to keep Gravesend’s play-off hopes alive.

Daish said: “I’m disappointed not get all three points. We created a lot of chances but they say the most important part of the jigsaw is finishing and we didn’t do that well enough.

“We had a go after anearly set back and I can’t ask for anymore. We’ve got a different test against Tamworth on Tuesday night but we’ve got something to build on.”