HARTPURY FC battled back from an early setback to earn a 1-1 draw away at Exmouth Town in Southern League Division One South on Saturday.

The Acorns fell behind after just three minutes at the Search4Local Stadium, but Noah Coates struck an equaliser to ensure the visitors returned from Devon with a point.

Hartpury named an unchanged starting line-up following their midweek victory over Sporting Club Inkberrow, although Daf Hyett was included among the substitutes.

Exmouth made the perfect start when Ben Steer fired a low effort into the net after three minutes. Steer nearly doubled his tally eight minutes later, but goalkeeper Seth Locke got down well to save.

Hartpury responded in the 16th minute when Riley McGregor's driven shot was parried by Matthew Wonnacott, allowing Coates to smash home the rebound from close range.

Nathan Jenkins then had an opportunity to put Hartpury ahead, but Wonnacott smothered his one-on-one effort. Josh Roney was forced off injured shortly afterwards, with Walters replacing him.

Billy Osborn saw a volley deflected behind before Coates headed over as the first half ended level.

Hartpury continued to threaten after the restart, with Jenkins having an effort deflected behind and Coates testing Wonnacott from distance.

Drew Robinson also saw a shot saved following a defensive mix-up, while Morgan Ewing fired across the face of goal.

Kian Davies struck the wall with a free kick from the edge of the area before Exmouth applied late pressure, forcing important blocks from McGregor and Sol Kent.

Ewing was denied by another Wonnacott save at the opposite end, while Exmouth's Tom Bath headed over from a corner in the final minute.

Hyett made his Hartpury debut late on as the Acorns secured a hard-earned point ahead of Tuesday's trip to Westbury United in midweek.