WITH Thornwell Red and White not playing, Caldicot Castle stretched their league lead over their local rivals to seven points with a 2-2 draw at Wainfelin Bluebirds.

But they had to come back after going behind just 30 seconds into the match.

"We showed great desire and commitment – qualities which have been lacking lately," said Richard Beach who was deputising for regular keeper Dave Hayward.

Beach scored the equaliser from the spot on 30 minutes, and, five minutes later, after good work by Jake Withey, a Wainfelin defender handled a goal-bound shot on the line.

Beach put Castle into the lead with the resulting spot-kick.

"We expected the lad to be sent off but he was only yellow carded," Beach added.

"To give the ref credit, he came to us at half time and apologised, admitting he had made a mistake.

"But with 11 men they came out for the second half

firing on all cylinders and put us under pressure with long throw after long throw on a narrow pitch.

"They eventually equalised through a disputed penalty but we held out for a well-deserved draw.

"The whole side showed great commitment and attitude after that bad start.