SWINDON were held to a draw by newly-promoted Penarth in their GoCrea8 League Conference North clash in south Wales on Saturday.

The visitors had put five past Firebrands A in their opening match but their Welsh hosts had gone one better at West Wilts and had the lion’s share of the opening 15 minutes, with Swindon on the back foot.

The defence, marshalled by Tom Hunt, kept the Welsh team at bay and Swindon broke the deadlock midway through the half, Lewis Dyer breaking from his midfield position and weaving his way to the byline to cross and find an unmarked Jordan McKenzie at the far post who slammed home from close range.

The second half saw the Welsh side mount a period of sustained pressure, but the Swindon defence held firm until a controversial umpiring decision awarded the hosts a penalty stroke that was well saved by keeper Alan Gough.

However, Penarth earned another contentious stroke minutes later and this time made no mistake to level the scores.

Swindon came out on the attack, winning several penalty corners but were unable to convert, with Penarth reduced to 10 men after a nasty tackle on Dyer who, after treatment, was able to continue.

Making his return to hockey after a three-year break, it was defender Tom Wickens who put the visitors ahead after a break from left deep, his back hand shot flying into the net with just over 10 minutes to go.

But with just over a minute left on the clock, Swindon lost the ball in midfield and Penarth broke quickly to fire the equaliser.

Swindon captain Tom Goldsmith said: “The team battled hard for 70 minutes although we knew how close we were to all three points.’’

l SWINDON Ladies paid the price for failing to convert their chances as they lost 1-0 to Yate in their West Clubs League Premier One clash.

Yate scored the only goal of the game after six minutes when a shot went past the Swindon keeper Sarah Anstey.

Swindon quickly gained the upper hand and Gemma Scrase’s shot towards an empty net was saved on the line by a defender.

“Our intensity was high but we lacked a cutting edge when it really mattered.’’said midfielder Linda Brouwers as they struggled for momentum in the second half.