Rushall Olympic 1 Banbury United 1
A late goal from Danny Waldron rescued a point for the home side in this hard fought opening day encounter. For much of the game it appeared as if the visitors were going home with all three points after a fantastic strike from Rami Shamsi but the home side produced a late rally that saw last season`s leading goalscorer Waldron on the score-sheet.
There was an early half chance for the visitors when Michael Townsend`s attempted headed back pass fell short of goalkeeper Joe Slinn, but the central defender rescued the situation with a timely clearance as Ravi Shamsi was waiting to pounce.
Six minutes later the home side were almost ahead when a punch from United goalkeeper James Goff landed at the feet of Andre Landell who curled his shot wide of the far post.
The deadlock was broken in the twenty second minute when Ravi Shamsi put United in front with a stunning strike from fully thirty yards.
Four minutes later Rushall suffered a blow when Townsend limped off.
The second half began with the home side searching for an equaliser but after forcing several corners in succession the visitors broke away but the dangerous Shamsi pulled his shot wide.
Chances were few and far between but gradually the home side began to get on top and Josh Hawker went close with a fierce shot and Waldron curled another effort just wide
The equaliser came with just seven minutes remaining when Danny Waldron`s left foot shot beat Goff and earn a deserved point for the home side from a entertaining game.
