This game was billed as a must win for Little Driffield who were looking for consecutive wins to take them six points clear of relegation rivals Spiders.
But Little Driffield just didn’t get started quickly enough in this tie with Spiders looking for an early break in the opening 20 minutes. The opener then followed when a through ball picked out their striker who had the time to score from eight yards despite strong offside appeals.
This lead was doubled on 25 minutes when Palmer conceded a penalty and this was despatched giving Long no chance in goal.
Little Driffield still struggled to get going but got a major lifeline on 40 minutes when Berriman picked up the ball just outside the 18 yard box and burst into the box to put the ball past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner for his seventh of the season.
The second half saw a big lift from Little Driffield and a period of sustained pressure was putting the Spiders back four up against it. Hilmi was released down the left and after beating his man he crossed for D. Blair at the back post but the midfielder saw his header creep over.
Little Driffield then introduced Whatling for Palmer and shifted Bateman back into his more familiar central midfield role as they pressed for an equaliser.
On 65 minutes the equaliser came with a good quality strike from Hilmi into the bottom corner.
Little Driffield then pushed for a winner with M. Blair then coming close but a good save from the keeper prevented the away side from taking the lead and Hilmi also seeing his effort from the edge of the area going agonisingly wide.
Spiders then stunned Little Driffield when a long ball up field was cleared only to an unmarked Spider player on the edge of the area who produced a stunning strike on 86 minutes.
Club chairman and stand in manager Ray Berriman was naturally disappointed after seeing a possible victory snatched away at the death. He said: “The first 20 minutes we just couldn’t get hold of the ball and as a result put ourselves under substantial pressure.
“However, in the second half the players stepped up and we created enough chances to win the game but were ultimately undone by a good finish at the end.”
Man of the match: Berriman
Team: Long, Melling, S. Raines (c), Neal, M. Raines, Bateman, Palmer (Whatling), D. Blair, M. Blair, Hilmi, Berriman
Little Driffield are sponsored by Paul Berriman Double Glazing, Chris Gray Ltd Plumbing & Heating and M.B Electrical.