Veteran striker Rob Denness hit an injury-time equaliser for Hollands & Blair last Saturday and came close to a winner moments later.

Blair fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Tunbridge Wells and while Denness shone up-front, 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Reeves made a positive impression at the other end.

Soccer Elite FA academy player and Faversham Town youth keeper Reeves came in for his Blair debut to cover for regular stopper Dan Ellis, who was saving his energy for Sunday’s London Marathon.

Blair boss Luke Jessup was delighted with the fightback and just wishes the season could go on a bit longer. Their Southern Counties East Premier Division campaign ends this Saturday at Sutton Athletic.

Jessup said: “Jack was unreal for us and we gave him man-of-the-match.

“We knew Dan wasn’t going to be available and so we’ve had Jack in to train for a few weeks, we knew a lot about him.

“I watched him in the week play a youth team game and he was excellent. I had no qualms about putting him in, there was nothing in my head telling me not to do it, it was a no-brainer.

“He stays big, makes himself massive, a bit like a Peter Schmeichel of old, three or four one-on-ones he had, he kept us in the game with a couple of good saves, he’s a good size, a great kid, distribution on point and kicks well, he is destined for good things.

“Rob was an absolute monster on the day. He is just built differently, he has a resilient brain, he perseveres, he doesn’t really get disheartened quickly and the goal he took was from a great ball in from Chris Edwards, first touch surrounded by three or four defenders and then slotted it away.

“They had caught us on the counter for a couple of goals but we brought it back and could have won it (after getting back to 2-2). The ball came over Rob’s shoulder, he’s hit it on the volley, a great hit going top corner, we’re all celebrating, but their keeper made a worldy save and the ref blew up not long after.

“There was a lot of positives to come out of the game, not just Jack and Rob, but a few others we learned about, Devonte West scored again, another youngster, just 17 and he scored a good goal.

“We’re buzzing and almost gutted the season is ending. I would have liked it to continue because you can see the progression and pathway for them, it is pushing on week to week.”

Looking ahead to their final game, Jessup said: “We will have a really good go, hopefully Sutton give us a run for our money and have a good go too.

“There are a few boys who have something to prove and with a bit of youth in the side, they are still hungry for it, as a management team we are hungry for it as well.

“We want to finish off on a high and when we come back pre-season we can hopefully reference a good signing off game.”