Drayton's Paul McMullen, Jason Francis and Martyn Davies cause problems for Glapwell in the six yard box. Picture by Terry Morris

Defensive partners Paul McMullen and Marc Stallard switched from stopping to scoring as Market Drayton Town’s revival party rolled on in this thoroughly entertaining clash at Greenfields.

The duo, whose fledgling partnership at the heart Drayton’s rearguard has been a key element in their UniBond League division one south comeback, are men to be feared in the air at set pieces.

But they superbly demonstrated how they can find the net from open play as well by lashing home fierce shots from just inside the penalty area to stun promotion-chasing Glapwell.

McMullen bravely force home Town’s deserved opener in the 26th minute and Stallard, taking time off from helping repulse a determined Glapwell rally, broke their hearts with a vital second on 46 minutes as the ball broke free from a set piece.

Glapwell substitute Conor Higginson pulled one back for the visitors with a spectacular curling drive six minutes after the break and from then on it looked anyone’s game as both sides gave the meagre crowd of just under 100 their money’s worth.

Slick passing, quick moving Glapwell produced some fine one-touch play while Town, hit by the loss of winger Stuart Ellis with cramp, demonstrated determination in defence and a canny ability to counter attack dangerously.

Neither side scored again but it wasn’t for lack of trying – they could have had at least another two apiece.

Glapwell keeper Andy Richmond made superb flying saves to deny Tom Rogers and Martyn Davies when they were clean through on route one.

And Steve Taylor, his Drayton counterpart, bravely dived in to sort three dangerous, hectic scrambles in his six yard box when an equaliser looked on.

“It was thoroughly enjoyable, even if the opposition sometimes had rather more of the ball than we would have liked,” said Town manager Simon Line said afterwards.

“Both sides could have scored more but I thought we had slightly the better chances and, overall, deserved to win because we worked that little bit harder and adapted well to the changing pattern of the game.

“When Stuart Ellis had to go off, we were forced to shuffle things around but the lads adapted well and obviously were delighted with the result.

“Everyone put in a really good shift. It’s great to see the lads gradually rekindling the sort of form we saw from them earlier in the season.”

Coming after an against-the-odds 2-0 midweek win at Chasetown, it sets Town up for an Easter programme against two more of the league’s top teams.

They visit play-off contenders Witton Albion on Good Friday and entertain champions elect Mickleover on Monday.

Line expects to have striker Mark Grice available for Friday’s game but Paul Bowyer can’t make the squad and there are doubts about Jason Francis (bruised ribs), Jamie Haynes (leg) and Ashley Burd, who will have a scan this week on a nagging groin strain.

By TERRY MORRIS