Tiverton 1 Halesowen 1

Halesowen recorded their fifth draw out of six on the road – but should have claimed the win after facing a Tiverton team with an outfield player in goal for an hour.

The Yeltz were kicking themselves after facing a below-par Tiverton side who played for an hour without a regular goalkeeper.

Halesowen snatched an 11th minute lead when Dean Brennan lobbed home his first goal for the club into an empty net after 'keeper Richard Fey rushed out.

Fey was in better form when he blocked new signing Guy Lopez after being set up by Paul Devlin.

Tiverton's recent goalkeeping woes struck again in the 28th minute when Fey was forced off and full-back Tom Gardner took over between the sticks.

But it was Halesowen keeper Mark Osborn who was called into action next, saving well at young striker Sean Szabo's feet just after the break.

The visitors then enjoyed a better spell with Darren Caskey blazing over from a good position.

Makeshift keeper Gardner then made a fine save from Brennan's volley and Lee Williams chipped just wide as Halesowen tried to cash in on Tiverton's misfortune.

But they weren't strong enough to hold onto the lead and captain Nathan Rudge equalised in the 74th minute after Jay Denny was beaten by winger Tom Knighton.

A minute later Gardner made another good save and late on Tiverton's Glen Gould hit a screamer just past Osborn's post.

Halesowen Town: Osborn; Denny, Hamilton, Pearce, Pierpoint, Amos, Paul (Francis 72), Lopez (Williams 44), Brennan, Devlin, Caskey.

Subs not used: O'Garro, Platt, Dormand.

Referee: A Matthew (Kings Stanley).

Attendance: 384.