TWO goals in as many first-half minutes helped North Leigh recover from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at home to play-off rivals Shortwood in Calor League Division 1 South & West on Saturday, writes Matthew Bruce.

The Millers, who dropped out of the play-off places as a result, had trailed to efforts from Ashley Thomas and Adam Price.

But a Jacob Walcott penalty and a fantastic strike from Elliott Osborne-Ricketts levelled matters at the end of the first half.

North Leigh found themselves behind inside ten minutes.

Thomas opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with a magnificent first-time effort after the home side’s defence failed to clear their lines.

The visitors capitalised on more sloppy defending, doubling their lead shortly before the half-hour mark, when the dangerous John Cant robbed defender Andy Caton.

His cross was pushed away by goalkeeper Adam McHugh, but Price was on hand to follow in from close range.

North Leigh were handed a lifeline shortly before half-time when Aaron Woodley was tripped in the box by Thomas.

Walcott made no mistake from the penalty spot, firing low into the right-hand corner of the net.

Moments later, the hosts were level, Osborne-Ricketts finding the net from 25 yards with a powerful effort.

North Leigh were unable to build on their momentum after the break.

Sub Connor McDonagh went closest, shooting narrowly wide.

But there was one final heart-in-mouth moment for the hosts as Michael Halpin unleashed an effort, which hit the woodwork.

North Leigh: McHugh, Hole, Organ, Turk, Gunn, Caton, Bowles, Osborne-Ricketts, Walcott (Else 85), Woodley (McDonagh 69), Williams (Dobson 69). Subs not used: Clarke, Hopkins.

Attendance: 99.