Bromyard Town had to settle for a point when they let a two goal lead slip in the last five minutes of this evenly contested West Midlands League Premier Division match, in which Gornal striker Darryl Stanway grabbed a hat-trick.

BROMYARD TOWN 3, GORNAL ATHLETIC 3

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges but the Town defence held firm and it was Bromyard who took the lead when Nathan Owen latched on to a crossfield pass to drive a low shot under John Grainger in the 23rd minute.

Play became more even after this point largely confined to midfield but Bromyard began to set up several dangerous attacks and doubled their tally following a 34th minute corner which David Kearney headed home from close range.

After the interval Gornal were given a lifeline when after just two minutes Stanway opened his account when he latched on to a deep right wing cross to powerfully head past Jamie Lambert in the Town goal.

Bromyard restored their two goal lead in the 75th minute when top scorer Luke Willetts held off his marker after running on to a long through ball to drive a low shot past Grainger.

With a Bromyard victory looking certain Stanway again gave the visitors hope when following a number of probing attacks he volleyed home at the far post after escaping his marker from a right wing corner.

Two minutes from time Gornal were awarded a penalty when a goalbound shot was handled and after the offender was dismissed Stanway calmly slotted away the equaliser which left Bromyard's ten men to hold out for a point.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Bromyard Town are away at Brierley & Hagley in the league (2.45).