Report By Freddie Facey

Mike Clark’s goal looked to have secured all three points for the league leaders, but a late stoppage-time equaliser ensured the title stays very much alive for the visitors.

The opening stages saw both sides looking defensively compact as interceptions from both teams made it difficult for either side to press forward. However, in the 20th minute Tom Kearney created the first real opportunity of the afternoon, as his shot from outside the box was saved comfortably by visiting keeper Dan Blockley.

Five minutes later, Shenfield were awarded a corner kick which was sent into the box and cleared to Maxwell Burrell outside the area but his shot was fired against the bar and off the back of a diving Owen Wells to nestle into the next.

Catholic may have been a goal down but they continued to strive forward, Frank Craik receiving the ball down the left-hand side who cut inside and unleashed a shot, but this was well saved by Blockley to keep the visitors ahead.

The last five minutes of the first half saw Catholic come agonisingly close, a mistake at the back saw the ball fall to Mike Clark who fired at shot at goal, however, his shot was yet again met by a Blockley save, playing a pivotal role in keeping his side ahead.

Despite Blockley being dominant between the sticks, his clean sheet came to an end, as Frank Craik delivered a cross deep into the box, for Tom Elliott to head home and bring the hosts level, heading into half time.

Half time: Catholic United 1-1 Shenfield AFC

The second half began with United coming extremely close, as a corner kick from Tom Kearney was sent into a congested penalty area, falling to Fin Gregory. His shot was blocked but the rebound fell to the feet of Zac Wing who rattled the post.

The match flowed goal-to-goal until the final 15 minutes which saw referee Lee Markwick award United a penalty kick, Blockley recklessly bringing down Zac Wing. A composed Tom Kearney stepped up and fired his penalty past Blockley to put the home side ahead for the first time in the game.

That lead would not last long. Shenfield drew level, a run from Dan Taylor placed a pinpoint ball to Jack Panons who, on the run, side footed the ball past Owen Wells.

On the stroke of 90 minutes, sub Luc Harpon received the ball down the right and cut inside, and with just Blockley to beat, he rounded the keeper and sent a pass to Mike Clark to side foot a shot which United believed was the winner.

Shenfield had the final say in the game, as deep into time added on, Burrell struck again from close range to earn the visitors a share of the spoils and keep their title hopes alive.