Kenilworth Sporting FC played their first game since October last year as they hosted Coventry Alliance Premiership side Balsall and Berkswell FC at Gypsy Lane tonight.

Sporting scored in the final ten minutes to claim a 3-3 draw in what purists would describe as a competitive fixture.

The home side kicked off the match with debutants Joe Wright and Corey Brookes in the starting line up, both impressing manager Martin Ascroft in their first appearances.

Sporting could have taken the lead after just seven minutes as striker Tyrone Wilson won the ball in the Balsall box, to lay off Callum Stewart, but his tame finish did not test the away side's keeper.

It was Kenilworth who did make the breakthrough though. On 18 minutes, smart play down the left hand side allowed Stewart to drift into the box and stroke the ball calmly into the bottom left hand corner to put the hosts ahead.

That lead was to last no more than a minute as the Hornets struck back instantly.

A long diagonal to Sporting's defensive line saw Jordan Simms muscled off the ball, allowing the Balsall striker to control and lift the ball over keeper Ryan Woodward who was stood just off his line.

On 23 minutes another chance fell to Stewart to restore Sporting's lead. Debutant Brookes played him through on goal, however too many touches by the number eight allowed the Balsall defence to recover and clear the ball.

Sporting were unable to create much more in the first half as they struggled to cope with the Hornet's physicality disrupting their neat passing play.

The sides went into the break a goal apiece.

Sporting should have restored their advantage immediately after the play resumed. The ball was won in the midfield and played straight through the Balsall defence. However the away sides' keeper was out smartly to save at the feet of Tyrone Wilson.

Four minutes later, Sporting were to rue that missed chance. A smart ball into the right hand channel saw Balsall rush in on goal, winning a corner from a blocked cross.

The resultant set piece was slotted home powerfully by a towering Finch header to put the Hornets 2-1 in front.

Tensions began to rise for both sides, with the handbags being reached for after the Balsall took exception to a strong Wilson tackle that was missed by the referee.

However, once calm was restored Sporting were able to draw level again on 57 minutes. A long ball from deep was played up to Curtis Cutts who nodded the ball down for Wilson to slot into the bottom right corner. 2-2.

Two minutes later Wilson could have doubled his tally.

Tight interplay down the left flank saw him slipped through on the edge of the six yard box. His decision to shoot rather than square the ball to Cutts was the wrong one, and the keeper tipped the shot over comfortably.

For much of the second half Sporting dominated the possession, giving little away but creating nothing concrete themselves. Balsall seemed content to sit back without the ball, looking to leave no gaps in the centre of the park.

However it was the away side who took the lead once again. On 74 minutes Balsall broke down their right, moving the ball quickly into Sporting's penalty area. Scrappy defending and some tight footwork saw the ball bundled across the line.

The goal was awarded by the linesman as the referee appeared to be torn between awarding a penalty or a goal.

Balsall and Berkswell's lead was to last just nine minutes.

A free kick was won by the home side some 30 yards out towards the left touchline. The ball was played deep into the box, and looked an easy catch for the Hornet's keeper. His fumbled save however saw the ball to drop to Wilson who gratefully slotted the equaliser home for his second on the night.

Both sides faltered for the last ten minutes, with few opportunities created and neither side willing to commit bodies forward.

A winner could not be found and the referee blew the whistle for 3-3.

Speaking after the game Kenilworth Sporting manager Martin Ascroft said that he "was pleased to get the boys out running again," but added "you could tell that we were a bit rusty."

He did see some clear positives however, "I was really pleased with Joe and Corey making their debuts, really good performances and added a bit of experience that we needed."

Sporting will host neighbours Kenilworth Wardens in a friendly this Saturday.