ARCHDALES 73 took a valuable Midland Combination Division One point with a 2-2 home draw against Earlswood Town.

A brace from veteran striker Jason Beck lifted relegation-threatened Dales who were unlucky not to have won.

Dales started poorly and fell behind to a sloppy goal which was down to bad marking with the hosts also claiming a handball offence.

The Worcester side had a great chance to pull level when Beck was brought down in the area but Ashley Banner's penalty was saved.

Boss Martin Stephens was happy with his team's great character to take the lead within 20 minutes of the second period.

Dales' equaliser came from an in-swinging Banner free-kick met by a powerful Beck header into the corner.

Beck put Dales ahead after latching onto a through-ball and chipping the keeper.

But a lack of concentration allowed Town to level after debutant Steve Howe misjudged a long ball.

Beck could have secured all three points but was unable to convert a Banner free-kick.

Dales also gave debuts to Tony Farnsworth and Phil Jenkins.