SPORTS started well on December 29 and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when a superb run and vicious shot by Matt Henning was parried by the Northfield keeper into the path of Stuart James who gratefully accepted the chance.

Northfield Town Reserves (2) 2

Droitwich Sports (2) 2

Midland Combination Division Three

Northfield scored two minutes later when Sports keeper Andrew Fletcher was beaten to the ball on the edge of the box. A forward ran on and side footed home from six yards.

It only took another two minutes for Sports to restore their advantage when Andy Crowther blasted the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

Sports looked as if they would hold the lead until half time but the defence opened up in the 42nd minute and Northfield grabbed an equaliser.

In the second half, Sports had Fletcher to thank for keeping them in the game as he made a succession of outstanding saves.

Droitwich had chances to win it but Darren Maycroft blasted over from short range, substitute Webb had a goal disallowed and Andy Docherty made woeful contact on the ball when clean through.

The Northfield keeper then saved well after a Docherty shot from the edge of the area.