CHARLIE Gunson's sublime 90th-minute free-kick retrieved a point for 10-man Wimborne in a 1-1 draw against their fellow league strugglers Merthyr Town, writes Graham Dunn.

After Callum Chugg had been dismissed for an ill-timed challenge at New Cuthbury, Frazer Thomas scored an impressive individual goal to give Merthyr an interval lead.

Magnificent goalkeeping by Billy Terrell kept the home side in the game before Gunson scored a dramatic equaliser from 30 yards.

As Magpies were building pressure on the Martyrs' goal in the opening half, the lights went out - literally.

Fortunately, just for 10 minutes, but it was enough time for the visitors to re-group.

The balance of the game swung in favour of the visitors on 40 minutes. Clever footwork by Thomas took him away from midfield challenges only to be upended by a mistimed sliding tackle by Chugg and Wimborne were down to 10 men.

Four minutes later, Merthyr took full advantage. Thomas rifled the ball into the bottom corner past Terrell.

With their man advantage in the second period, Merthyr seemed content to soak up pressure then counter quickly.

But with one of the final moments of the contest, Wimborne scored the equaliser. This time Gunson sent his free-kick towards the top-left corner.

Keeper Jaimie Cogman's despairing dive got a hand to it, but could not prevent the ball hitting the back of the net to bring celebrations on and off the pitch.