A Steve Jones header in the 92nd minute clinched a dramatic win for Nantwich Town in their opening Evo-Stik Premier League clash at home to Gainsborough Trinity.
The Dabbers secured all three points when Jones popped up in the box to head home in injury time at the Weaver Stadium.
It had been a tight contest up to that point, with the visitors reduced to ten men on 70 minutes.
Nantwich new signing Callum Saunders was sent clear when Nathan Stanfield brought down the former Crewe Alexandra striker.
The referee did not hesitate to show Stanfield a straight red.
It proved to be a pivotal moment and the momentum swung Nantwich’s way as they piled on the pressure in the final 15 minutes.
Jones came on as substitute in the 76th minute and had a couple of chances in normal time.
Then as the visitors looked to have claimed a hard-fought point, Joe Mwasile crossed deep for Saunders who headed back for Jones to turn home past the helpless Stewart in the Gainsborough goal.
Saunders, who arrived after his release from League Two Notts County at the end of last season, could prove an invaluable addition to the Dabbers squad.
The striker has appeared for Wales at U19 and U21 level.
Manager Dave Cooke said: “He’s a player who I’ve admired for a long time. I’ve seen him play from a young age, from when he’s been at Crewe, and he’s been scoring plenty of goals since he was a kid.
“I think he’s had the hard end of the stick in recent years and I think he’s got what it takes to play at a higher level. Hopefully, the club will be the platform to prove his skills.”
(Pics by Mark Welton)
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