MALVERN Athletic collected the first point of their Midland Combination division two season with this hard-fought draw at Barnt Green Spartak.

BARNT GREEN SPARTAK 2, MALVERN ATHLETIC 2

Athletic took the lead in the 18th minute when another good run from Cornes saw his cross half cleared and Chris Allen was on hand to volley the ball into the back of the net.

Simon Brookes then had the best opportunity of the match to increase Athletic's lead when a cross from his brother Richard at left back eluded everyone and he was left to beat the keeper but could only fire direct at the keeper and the ball cannoned of his legs. Half time 0-1.

The second half saw the home team with slope advantage and a slight breeze in their favour. It was mostly the home side who took the game to Malvern Athletic who were content soaking up this pressure.

However a free kick given away by the visitors on the edge of the penalty area resulted in the equaliser for Spartak with a right footed shot from Simon Brown. This goal seemed to spur the home side on and it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the 68th minute after some defensive lapses allowed Gulfraz Khan to find the back of the net with a well taken volley from close range.

Spartak pushed on by a now flagging Athletic side went looking to kill the game off but somehow they managed to hold on and with the introduction of substitutes Hayden Jordan and Shaun Mann, Athletic clawed themselves back in to the match when after a goal mouth scramble Simon Brookes made amends for his first half miss when his shot eluded the outstretched keeper to find the roof of the net.

Young debutant keeper Daniel May had to be substituted by Dave Starkey after he received a nasty kick in the mouth making an outstanding save at Khan's feet in the 89th minute. Malvern held out for the remaining injury time and deserved the point.

Athletic: Daniel May (Dave Starkey 89), Craig Penney, Richard Brookes, Nigel Russell, Marc Lines, Chris Allen, Jason Hall, Lee Watts (Jordan 69), George Cornes (Shaun Mann 76), Rob Perrins, Chris Brookes.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Athletic return to their home venue for the first time in nearly a year when they entertain Rugby AFC at Victoria par (2.45pm).