IT was fourth against fifth at Cobham on Saturday and the encounter was as enthralling as its billing.

Both sides traded early blows and the visitors really should have gone ahead, and might have done but for an excellent blocking tackle by Michael Hicks, but it was the home side that had that pleasure in the fourth minute.

Shane Rideout delivered a free kick that was headed home by the unchallenged Scott Day.

Rideout might have got his name on the scoresheet minutes later as he bored down on goal.

He appeared to be pulled back, but the referee played advantage as he stayed on his feet, but he dragged his shot well wide.

Hartley responded by going straight down the other end and levelling.

A short throw on the right found Francis and he lost his two markers and his powerful, low, driving cross was turned in by Spencer.

The hosts were given a gilt-edged chance to regain the lead soon after when Heggarty was crudely brought down in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, but did not punish the offending defender any further.

Rideout stepped up, but his spot kick was well saved by Lovett to keep the scoreline equal.

After a frantic first 15 minutes, the game settled down, as neither side carved out any further chances to leave it 1-1 at the break.

The second half began much like the first with both sides going at each other. This time thought it was the visitors who got the early goal when Spencer added a second with a thunderbolt of a drive which left McGregor rooted to the spot.

The home side dug in and Hartley looked prepared to sit off and give away fouls in and around their area. Unfortunately none of the resulting free kicks tested Lovett in the visitors' goal.

With 18 minutes to go though, another foul was committed in the area on Scott Day and for the second time a penalty was awarded. Richard Ramsay stepped up on this occasion and made no mistake to bring his side level.

With just three minutes remaining the visitors scored a spectacular overhead kick, only to see it harshly disallowed for offside.

A draw in the end was a fair result but both teams will feel disappointed that they didn't snatch the three points.