Balsall & Berkswell 2,

Pershore 2

PERSHORE stumbled but didn't fall in Saturday's crucial Coa-ching Solutions West Midland Division Two fixture.

First advantage went to the visitors when quick thinking by the roaming defence saw Garth Rushton release Pete Powell who selflessly set up Gary Tucker to finish at the far post.

Less than five minutes passed before Toby Whiting surrendered easy possession 20 yards from the home goal and a swift counter-attack resulted in a good goal to level the scores.

A second blow swiftly followed with Graeme Rushin's dissent earning him a yellow card and a trip to the sin-bin.

Things then went from bad to worse. Goalkeeper Stuart White was also temporarily dismissed, along with a home striker, for fighting and, for the opening five minutes of the second half, Pershore's nine men defended resolutely against the ten of Berks-well.

Almost inevitably Pershore conceded with temporary keeper Rushton allowing a soft shot to find the net.

When all the players had returned to the pitch the true balance of the game became evident with Pershore noticeably stronger.

Rushton made up for his earlier mistake by sneaking in and levelling the scores in a crowded D through pure determination.

From that moment on, only one team could win it but first Russell Scudamore then Whiting fluffed easy chances leaving the score, and the league, finely balanced.