Cam Bulldogs Res 3 Sharpness Res 2

A STOPPAGE time winner from Cam's Carl Bailey capped the most dramatic of finales to what was a hugely exciting derby clash.

With the two clubs' first team derby called off, the reserves took centre stage and played out a thrilling encounter despite turning the Everlands pitch into a quagmire.

The Bulldogs made an incredible start as Neil Meredith hit both the top of the crossbar and the outside of the post inside the first five minutes.

Shortly afterwards Cam captain Kev Tudor almost found the net with a deep free-kick but the Sharks' veteran goalkeeper Terry Watkins reacted superbly to palm the ball away for a corner.

Sharpness rode out the early storm, however, and began to exert some pressure of their own, which culminated in a goal midway through the half.

Ian Watkins got to the by-line on the right and produced a cross that Keith Watson could only palm into the air and Max Brain was on hand to tap in at the far post.

The Sharks then had a good penalty claim turned down when Dan Gadd challenged Watkins after Watson had fluffed his kick from a backpass.

The Bulldogs dragged themselves level five minutes before the break though, when a left-wing cross found the sliding Bailey at the far post and his touch looped beyond the goalkeeper.

Sharpness were the better side after the break, putting one flying volley just wide, while Watkins failed to keep a header down.

At the other end John Owen had a great chance to put Cam in front but his shot was wildly off target.

Watkins then almost escaped on the break after Ben Price was caught in possession but home substitute Nathan Allen made a vital covering tackle.

However, just when it looked like the game would end in stalemate the Bulldogs scored with less than five minutes remaining.

Rob Birch released Meredith on the left and his low cross was flicked past goalkeeper Watkins by Pete Holder.

But within two minutes Holder had gone from hero to villain as he committed a rash challenge inside the box to concede a penalty.

In an absolute quagmire Ian Watkins held both his nerve and his footing to beat Watson from 12 yards for the equaliser.

However, with time all but up Holder won a free-kick from Sharks' left-back Dave Walton and his ball in found its way to the far post for Bailey to drill in the winner.

There was just enough time for Cam substitute Rob Baxter to hit the post but the final whistle went seconds later to confirm the Bulldogs' victory.

Goals: Brain (Sharpness) 20, Bailey (Cam) 40, Holder (Cam) 86, I Watkins (Sharpness) pen 88, Bailey (Cam) 90.