Force save crucial point

The Bunbury Force salvaged a precious point with a 1-1 draw against State Premier League powerhouse Sorrento at Payne Park on Saturday.

The Force had to negotiate the final stages of the result without playing coach Matt Lock, who was sent off in the 88th minute for a rough tackle on former Perth Glory stalwart Jamie Harnwell.

It was Lock’s second booking of the afternoon. Missing defence lynchpin Oliver McGee and injured mobile midfielder Jon Brooks, the Force fought their favoured, undefeated opponents all the way, pulling back to draw when Ryan Francis cancelled out Steve McDonald’s first half goal in the 74th minute.

Sorrento coach Paul Price was disappointed at his team’s fourth draw in an undefeated seven-match season to date.

“We were the best side by far, no doubt about that,” he fumed.

“We dominated the first half, created half a dozen good chances and had a goal disallowed.”

The Force had their share of attacks with winger Jayden Prosser putting in another telling game alongside Bright Ababio and Danny Kane.

At the other end Ryan Risdon, Jarred Mort, Liam Hutchinson and goalie Ryan Montgomery withstood the fury of Sorrento’s fiery attacks.

The opening goal at the 18-minute mark came from a corner with lanky Sorrento defender McDonald drifting in at the near post to nod into an empty net after Bunbury keeper Montgomery was felled in a multi-man melee in the box.

Bunbury’s best chances came from a powerful shot by Danny Kane, who was denied by a posse of defenders, while Prosser once again showed his pace up the right flank.

Bunbury drew level when goalie Chris Aspden was robbed of the ball by Francis, who slotted home the equaliser.

The Force are on the bottom of the ladder and play fellow stragglers Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens this Saturday.