Arlesey stun Gosport thanks to Dillon’s late goal

A goal from Chris Dillon saw Arlesey Town end Gosport Borough’s stunning 23-game unbeaten league run as the visitors reignited their play-off hopes on Saturday.

In front of a fine crowd of 459, Dan Smith and Brett Poete fired wide, while Drew Roberts came close for Arlesey, but his shot was blocked.

Aston Goss almost put the Blues ahead as his low show was well saved by Nathan Ashmore and a great sliding challenge from Shane Blackett saw him dispossess Dan Wooden in the area.

Nathan Abbey saved Woode’s header and then turned Luke King’s long-range attempt over the bar.

Dan Woodward fired narrowly wide, while Rory Williams’ effort from the edge of the box drew another stop from Abbey.

At the other end, Roberts’ was deflected behind by Ashmore at the expense of a corner.

In the second period, Williams skimmed the bar before Arlesey had a great chances as Dillon’s low shot was parried by Ashmore, only for Leon Hibbert to somehow put the rebound over from six yards.

Sammy Igoe’s crisp effort was well saved by Abbey, and Roberts then drew a fine stop from Ashmore with his curling free kick.

Just when the game looked to be petering out to a draw, Josh Cook’s deep ball found Dillon in the area and his shot deflected off a defender and over the despairing dive of Ashmore to clinch a crucial win.

The victory saw Arlesey close the gap on Gosport, who are fifth to nine points, and host Cambridge City tomorrow afternoon.

Gosport Borough: Nathan Ashmore, Luke King, Brett Poate, Aaron Cook, Ryan Woodford, Tom Dunford, Sammy Igoe, Daniel Smith, Dan Wooden, Rory Williams, Dan Woodward (Justin Bennett 63).

Subs not used: Ellis Martin, Sam Wilson, Anthony Ender.

Arlesey Town: Nathan Abbey ©, Cam Mawer, Josh Cook, Shane Blackett, Ryan Frater, Jeanmal Prosper (James Hatch 71), Leon Hibbert, Ollie Thorne, Chris Dillon, Drew Roberts (Chris Marsh 90+1), Aston Goss.

Subs not used: Stuart Farrell, Ben Farrell, Nick Bussey.