A storming second half revival act by Market Drayton sent even Leek Town fans home reasonably content with an Evo-Stick League South point from this derby duel – and it had Greefi gaffer Neil Woolliscroft even happier, singing the praises of his side.

“I knew they had that sort of performance in them,” he said, adding: “Now, it’s a matter or consistency. This was a much better performance all round.

“Throughout the second half we held the ball up well, played it well and pressed them to the stage when they were forced into playing long passes forward to try and relieve the pressure.

“There were times when their breakaways were a worry but overall, I thought our back four were excellent and the character and control we showed throughout the team was excellent.”

For much of an absorbing, entertaining last half hour there was not the proverbial fag-paper’s width between the performance of relegation zone Drayton and promotion-chasing Leek.

After a classic goal of it’s kind on 62 minutes from Harry Clayton – poaching in the six-yard box after Stuart Ellis’s powerhouse free kick had rebounded from keeper Danny Roberts – both sides went at it hammer and tongs.

Overall a point apiece was about right and, crucially, from Drayton’s point of view, they competed with a spirit and style that can only boost their confidence.

It had been all pretty pedestrian before the break, in which Leek took with a slim but deserved lead, grabbed at the far post by tricky Tim Grice after a flowing crossfield move had cut Drayton to ribbons.

At this stage, Drayton needed all the help they could get from their debutant goalkeeper from Shawbury, Damian Stevens, who learnt his trade with Shrewsbury Town and AFC Telford. Now in his mid-twenties, he looked a more than handy acquisition.

With a run of three tough away games starting with an FA Trophy tie at Evo-Stik League Southern division one leaders Bedworth on Saturday, Town hope to further strengthen their squad with a new signing while also welcoming some players back off their long injury list.

Newcastle Town defender Kyle Blake is their transfer target while midfielder Callum Wright and striker Luke Reynolds are top of their fitness wish list.

By TERRY MORRIS