A DARREN Powell goal in the seventh minute of injury time for ten-man Wimborne Town rescued a point last night in a scintillating 2-2 stalemate with arch-rivals Bournemouth Poppies at Cuthbury.

It was a let off for Wimborne against a side who were clearly pumped up for the Bank Holiday evening's entertainment.

Poppies were heavily criticised by their manager Keith Williams for a poor weekend's performance in a 3-0 defeat at Bemerton Heath Harlequins and responded with interest to the boss's call in a game in which they should have claimed all three points.

The Magpies have developed into a side who are strong favourites to be up there with the leaders at the end of the campaign, and in the other camp Williams predicted at the start of the season that his outfit would have their best run for ten years. If this game is anything to go by there is no reason why both these teams can't be in the hunt for honours come April.

The game entered the half way stage goalless, despite chances at either end, including a brave save from Stewart Kearn at the feet of Mark Dancer.

Three minutes after the interval Gareth Barnes struck a deft 20-yard volley which looped in the air before settling in the top corner of Poppies' net for the opener.

Shortly after, Paul Honeybun produced a terrific cross for Adie Briscoe to equalise with a far post header, and then two minutes later they took the lead. Kearn made an outstanding save to deny Dancer from close range, but the ball came straight back to the Poppies striker whose second effort was handled by Matty Parkin, who instantly received a red card.

It was a double blow for Paul Arnold's side, who conceded a penalty at the same time, and Richard Glennister duly obliged from the spot to give Poppies a 2-1 advantage.

Williams will no doubt be happy with the way his side bounced back from such a shoddy performance at Bemerton, but the seventh minute injury time equaliser from Powell will have left him once again a frustrated boss.

Wimborne: Kearn, Parkin, Sturgess, Powell, Roast, Barham (Sc Cannie 69), Oldbury (Doyle 69), Smith, Barnes, St Cannie, Dipper (Jones 64).

Poppies: Scriven, Drew, Briscoe, Coleman, Bryning, Lucas (Cuglietta 80), Clarke, Glennister, Holmes, Honeybun (Kydd 69), Dancer. Unused sub: Till.