MALVERN Town came from behind to draw 1-1 away at Shaftesbury on the opening day of the 2024/25 league season.
The visitors trailed at the break before Joe Tumelty equalised on the hour mark to earn the Hillsiders a point at Cockrams.
And the result means Malvern sit 10th in the Southern League Division One South table after one match.
The away side made a fast start as Charlie Johnson sent an early free-kick over the crossbar after good play from Tumelty and Harry Clark.
And Malvern hit the crossbar on the quarter-hour mark as Clark smashed an effort against the woodwork from a tight angle.
However, Shaftesbury took the lead against the run of play on 19 minutes when Remus Nixon picked out the bottom corner.
And Hillsiders goalkeeper Lewis Adams then made a fine save to keep out a Shaftesbury free-kick at the home side looked to double their lead.
Malvern looked to respond after the break as both goalkeepers made crucial saves at the start of the second period.
And the visitors went close again as Jack Watts shot over the crossbar when well-placed before the same player saw an effort saved moments later.
However, the away side eventually made their pressure count when Tumelty produced a superb finish to bring Malvern level.
Malvern are next in action against Didcot Town on Tuesday, August 13 with kick-off at 7.45pm at the HDAnywhere Community Stadium.
