WOOFFERTON boss Malcolm Barnard was left frustrated after seeing his side were denied victory after visitors Kingstone Rovers struck late on to secure a 3-3 draw.

But he praised his strikers whose goals have helped the Brimfield climb into the leading pack at the top of Herefordshire League Division One.

Kingstone arrived at Haynall Lane with the perfect record having won all six of their previous games this season.

But it was the home side – kitted out in orange shirts due to a colour clash – who opened the scoring through Dan Gower, who latched on to a wayward defensive header before unleashing a trademark left-footed shot in to the top left-hand corner of the net.

Two goals from Ashley Day in the space of five minutes then steered the visitors into a slender 2-1 lead before Gower bagged his second of the game and ninth of the season after pouncing on a loose ball in the box.

The drama continued when strike partner Andrew Pugh restored Woofferton’s lead, slipping the ball beneath the Rovers keeper after Gower had headed into his path.

But Barnard’s side were unable to hold on for all three points as, with ten minutes to go, a corner was not cleared and substitute Nick Panniers clipped the ball over the line from close range.

The Woofferton manager said: “I believe we should have won the game – the lads battled really well and didn't give Kingstone any time on the ball.

“Andrew Pugh and Dan Gower were amazing up top but it was a shame we let in a sloppy goal toward the end.

"Rovers seemed pleased with the result and it was a cracking game to watch, very entertaining.”

And while his strikers shared the goals between them, Barnard was also impressed with some of the young players who have impressed – Ashley Smith and Cameron Fanning who shared the Man of the Match award.

“Ash and Cam worked tirelessly throughout the game and both showed composure on the ball,” he explained.

“We have high hopes for both these young players.”

Woofferton travel the short distance to Ludlow Colts this Saturday and the home side will be hoping to pick up their first points of the season.

But they will be without skipper George Sankey who has been sidelined with a knee injury picked up in the first game against Woofferton last month.

Simon Bull is also likely to miss out with a rib injury but there is likely to be a first start for new signing Richard Hill who has impressed in training.