AN injury hit Andover New Street picked up their second point in two matches with a 1-1 draw over bottom of the league side Pewsey Vale.

New Street went into the game missing six of first team players, forcing manager Paul Reidy to promote several youngsters from the club’s youth system.

Despite the setback, New Street remained firm favourites against a Vale side who had not picked up a point all season.

Yet it was the away side who started the better and created the first chance of the match, which flew wide of the post.

New Street soon grew into the game and had their first opportunity of the match when Harvey Redstone found Nick Dadds in the box, but his shot went just over the bar.

Controversy struck moments before half time when the referee awarded Vale a penalty for an apparent foul in the box.

Goalkeeper Dave Tasker stood up strong and saved the resulting penalty to keep the game scoreless at half time.

Lawton, Sam Pike and Lee Morris worked tirelessly to give Street the upper hand but it was Vale who eventually opened the scoring shortly before the hour mark.

A cross across New Street’s box was met by Adam Field who tucked it past Tasker to give the away side the lead.

It was short lived as Street equalised just three minutes later.

A lofted pass by Redstone was headed back across goal by Dadds, with Lawton heading home the well worked move.

The game picked up pace in the remaining half hour as both teams battled hard for a winner but the game remained a stalemate despite some good chances for Street in the final 10 minutes.

After the match, Reidy said: “I was very proud of the young players who stepped up today and obviously the experienced players.

“I don’t usually moan about refs as I know it is a hard job, but the referee was shocking for both sides.

“We played really well today and scored a really good team goal and are getting back on track to where we want to be.

“We now go into our next game full of confidence."