WESTFIELDS skipper Sam Rawlings rescued his side a valuable away point at the death resulting in a 2-2 draw at Malvern Town.

The keenly awaited derby match opened the Hellenic League Premier Division and was watched by 322 spectators.

Phil Glover’s side had to come back twice to gain a point, but it was a hard-working display from start to finish and both fullbacks featured in the goal-scoring.

Malvern took an early lead when Matt Turner headed home a right-wing cross in only the eighth minute.

A goal to savour pulled Westfields level in the 34th minute with a tremendous volley from full-back Sean Powell who overlapped on the left and cracked home a right-wing cross to beat goalkeeper Kieron Blackburn.

A well-organised Malvern side went 2-1 in front in the 73rd minute when Turner again proved the clinical finish to put his side ahead.

With the minutes ticking away and Westfields getting on top without being able to break through, they got the vital equaliser in the last minute when they forced a right-wing corner and threw everything forward.

Captain Sam Rawlings headed home from the corner kick to give Westfields a valuable point and send the Westfields fans home in good spirits.

 

Westfields now go forward to the FA Cup extra-preliminary round tie on Saturday, kick-off 3pm at allpay.park when they play Rugby Town in their first competitive home match of the season.