BARNTON picked up their first draw of the season on Saturday as they fought back to claim a share of the points at Stockport Town.

It was captain Will Avon who kept his cool at the end of the first half to apply a clever finish to ensure his side brought an end to their recent losing streak in the league.

Liam Page was forced into one change from Wednesday’s cup victory against 1874 Northwich with Kenyatta Bernal replacing Ross Avies.

The home side, who came out of the blocks firing, found themselves ahead after only six minutes when James Wrench emphatically headed home from a corner.

Stockport kept up their fast start and Barnton keeper Arran Lyons was called into action shortly after the opener but was able to first save an effort from distance then he managed to clear a second effort off the line.

The lively Bernal almost got his side level after gambling on a defensive lapse, but Daniel Harrison in the Town goal did well to deny him with a smart block.

As the first half was drawing to an end it was captain Avon who was on hand to pull his side level after he kept his cool after some great play from Jordan Monthe and Bernal.

The leveller was certainly a sucker punch for the home side who had dominated for larger periods of the opening stanza.

The second half was an almost complete role reversal as the Villagers turned the screw and had much more of the play and better chances.

Despite the Villagers’ dominance the home side did carry a threat on the break and hit the inside of the woodwork after a great effort from Jamie Walsh.

As the game wore on it was Page’s side who looked the most likely, with Avon heading over from a corner before Monthe hit the post after chasing down what seemed to be a lost cause.

The search for a late winner in the end proved elusive for the Villagers who were left to rue a poor opening period.

Next up is a home game against St Martins on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Barnton: Lyons, Hunt, Avon, Scoular, Jones, De-Andrade, Clifton (Duffy), Edwards (Forster), Waller, Monthe, Bernal. Unused subs: Ford, Holt.