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Town denied as Dill fires late equaliser

Somerset snatched their first Premier Division point of the season as a last gasp strike by Jermaine Dill served to prevent visiting Dandy Town grabbing a full share of the spoils.

It was just dessert for the home side and the hardworking youngster, who popped up as `Johnny on the spot' five minutes from time to slot home a left foot effort following a goalmouth scramble.

That goal offset a first half tally by Town's top poacher Darron Simons during a quick counter attack.

Despite pre-game turmoil in the Somerset camp that saw the hosts struggle to put together a full complement of players -- only six had arrived at the ground half an hour prior to kick-off -- their play was distinguished for the most part.

Storming from the gate, Somerset controlled much of the early going, pinning Town down with some cohesive play from defence to attack, but let down by soft finishing.

Just five minutes into the match Andrew Rahman blasted over when well positioned in front of goal, but the first really close call came in the 19th minute as a Dill effort from the top of the area looked destined for the back of the net only to be cleared off the line by full-back Randy Swan.

This appeared to wake up Town, with Devon Binns immediately responding through a long range blast that seared inches over the crossbar.

Trojans returned fire, testing Town's stand-in goalkeeper Mark Trott in the 30th minute, Michael Brangman forcing him to parry away a shot that sought to sneak inside the post.

Dill denies Dandy Town From Page 27 Somerset's eagerness to attack proved costly as a quick counter move saw Kuma Smith send a long ball to Simons who, after eluding Somerset's offside trap, beat keeper Timmy Figureido with a deft sidestep move and coolly slotted home.

Brangman muffed a straightforward chance to level matters seven minutes from the break as a left-wing cross by Dwight Basden found him six yards in front of goal, but Brangman's attempted chest-trap served as no more than a back pass to the 'keeper.

The second half yielded more constructive play for both sides.

Dill forced a fine save from Trott in the 51st minute, while at the other end Kris Martin hammered a left-foot shot against the bar from a angle on the left.

Further efforts from Somerset's Basden and Karl Roberts, as well as one from Simons all missed the target, and it looked as if Town might well go home with three points.

That was until Dill popped up to change such notions.

Rahman fired in a corner kick that bounced around the area before falling to Dill near the penalty spot. The youngster took a swipe, finding room between the myriad of outstretched legs and other body parts, and finally the fingertips of Trott to score.

Somerset: T.Figureido; H.Hunt, R.Scott, K.Roberts, G.Butterfield (T.Mallory 58 mins); D.Rahman (A.Tucker 62 mins), J.Dill, A.Rahman; M.Brangman, D.Burchall (K.Burrows 70 mins), D.Basden.

Dandy Town: M.Trott; R.Swan, S.Smith (R.Beach 58 mins), R.Swan, D.Binns (K.Mundy 76 mins); L.Furbert, K.Smith, P.Douglas, K.Martin; C.Smith (K.Hurdle 24 mins), D.Simons.

Referee: Anthony Mouchette.

Men of the Match: Jermaine Dill (Somerset); Mark Trott (Dandy Town).

Yellow cards: Harry Hunt (Somerset).

Photos by Tony Cordeiro Stand back: Galvin Butterfield of Somerset shields off attempts by Dandy Town striker Carlos Smith to get to the ball as team-mate Richard Scott looks on during yesterday's match at Somerset. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Eyes closed: Somerset's Galvin Butterfield (left) and Carlos Smith of Dandy Town challenge for possession during the first half of yesterday's Premier Division encounter at the west end.