A CONTROVERSIAL winner two minutes from time robbed Ware of a share of the points against Redbridge in tricky conditions at Wodson Park.

A dramatic evening ended on a downer for Tony Faulkner’s charges as Alex O’Leary bundled home the decisive goal on 88 minutes despite cries of handball from Ware’s defenders.

It was a cruel blow for a hard-working side that showed a marked improvement from the 4-0 drubbing at Enfield Town three days earlier.

Joe Clemo returned on the right and performed well, while Matt Mitchell, sent off in the Enfield Town game, was left on the bench with Ryan Wade taking his place up front.

Delays on the trains led to one of the assistant referees arriving late at the ground, with a substitute linesman being scrambled from the 68 people in attendance to start the game.

That substitute linesmen happened to be no other than Anthony Mercer, secretary of Redbridge's Capital League side. Mercer, who used to run the line in the Essex Senior League, found himself with a flag in his hand. He did duty until half-time, when the appointed official was able to take over.

Ware substitute Alwayne Powell also got stuck on the trains, meaning goalkeeper Mark Virgo took his place on the bench.

Ware made a lively start and saw several chances go begging.

Sam Berry headed over the bar, but it was Gazmend Dauti who opened the scoring on 23 minutes with a low shot from the edge of the box that beat Redbridge keeper Elliott Justham.

However, the visitors hit straight back, Kevin McLeod striking a marvellous shot past Obey Murefu to restore parity a minute later.

Murefu was called upon in the second half to make a handful of good saves, while at the other end, Sam Berry saw a long shot go close.

However, with just two minutes left on the watch, the home side failed to clear their lines and, after the referee waved away claims of handball, O’Leary scored from close range to sink the hosts.

Report courtesy of www.ware-fc.co.uk