NEWENT Town led twice at home to Bromyard Town on Saturday but had to settle for a 2-2 draw after a set-piece leveller five minutes from time.

The Yard had beaten league leaders Alcester Town four days earlier, and were brimming with confidence.

But the Daffs, who are still looking for a manager, took the game to them and were rewarded inside the opening 10 minutes, taking the lead through Danny Gaynor.

The Yard then pushed back and were presented with a huge chance following a mix-up in the Newent back line, but couldn't capitalise.

But their pressure eventually told after 35 minutes when a Dec Bibb free-kick from out wide found Jack Griffiths-Perry at the near post who reacted quickest to tuck the ball home for 1-1 at the break.

The hosts remained a threat on the counter after the restart as Bromyard continued to push forward.

And it was still all to play for entering the last 20 minutes, when a scramble from a Daffs' corner led to a free-kick on the edge of the Yard box, and skipper Tyler Weir stepped up to bend it around the wall into the back of the net.

Newent then almost made it three with a fast counter, a Gaynor shot from long range forcing keeper Ryan Williams into tipping the ball over when it looked destined for the net.

Luke Firkin also had a headed chance for the Daffs.

But with time ticking down, Bromyard won another free-kick which was delivered across the face of goal by Barnes and cleverly flicked in by Bibb into the far corner.

Bromyard then created two big opportunities to take all three points, a goal-bound effort saved and the rebound cleared off the line, before another cross and shot clipped the top of the bar, but Newent held on to secure a deserved point.

Elsewhere it was cup day, as Lydbrook Athletic fought out a hard-earned 1-0 Wyeside win over Fairford Town 2nds in the Gloucestershire Amateur Cup, Jason Heaphy's first-half strike securing the win

Gloucestershire Northern 2 table mates Huntley also enjoyed a goal fest at home to Falcons, going through 6-4 after four goals from Lee James and one apiece from Reuben Fishpool and Harry Clark.

Howle Hill were in seventh heaven at Weston playing fields against Bromyard Town 2nds in the Herefordshire County Cup, Joe Thomas and Ben Fletcher firing braces, and Archie Cotton, Callum Hall and Tai Minnie one apiece as they won 7-0.

Meanwhile, having lost 5-0 away to Broadwell Amateurs the previous week, Mitcheldean secured a battling first North Gloucestershire Premier point with a 2-2 league draw in Saturday’s reverse fixture, Charlie Meek and Oliver Kear the marksmen.

But table mates Longhope lost 3-1 at home to Westbury, Steve Clark with the consolation.

Lydbrook 2nds made it three wins out of three though to top the NG1 table with a 2-1 success away to Sling at St Briavels.

Ruardean United also won 2-0 at Ellwood, Henry Godwin and Alex Rowles on target, while a Chad Burrows goal gave neighbours Ruardean Hill 2nds a 1-0 away win over Tidenham.