SJR Worksop responded with a strong performance to draw 2-2 in their local derby clash against Worksop Town Reserves on Saturday.

SJR had travelled just 100 yards up the road to face the Tigers’ Reserves, looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointing result and kickstart their season.

A fine sunny afternoon saw a crowd of 75 onlookers watching what was at times a scrappy, and quite end to end Sandy Lane derby.

The game began as a tightly-contested affair, with both sides enjoying early spells of possession but creating few clear-cut chances.

SJR's Alex Boyd in derby day action. Photo by Graham Pool.

placeholder image — SJR's Alex Boyd in derby day action. Photo by Graham Pool.

Rodzos made an early save while Sinclair shot over the bar and Oadley tried to place his effort inside the far post but the visiting keeper saved at full stretch.

Abdy then had a lob saved and a Yaremenko cross went behind Abdy.

The SJR No.8 was booked for barging Oadley into touch and tempers became a little frayed before some end to end action saw Rodzos making another save.

As the first half wore on, it was the home side who looked more in control.

At this point Worksop Town’s attacks were breaking down at the edge of the penalty area and a period of sustained SJR pressure followed.

That paid off as they took the lead on 37 minutes when Liam Betts headed in.

There was time for Yaremenko to put a free kick over the bar before the whistle blew for half-time.

The second period started with SJR looking for the leveller with renewed energy and purpose, and after Rodzos had made a couple of fine saves and SJR had put the ball over the bar from a corner kick, SJR man of the match George McKernon duly equalised in the 50th minute.

They had been pressing forward in search of an equaliser, looking far more threatening going forward, and their efforts were rewarded when a deep corner was headed back across goal and fell to McKernon.

Showing great composure, he smashed the ball into the roof of the net to bring the scores level at 1-1.

With the momentum swinging in their favour, the visitors pushed on in search of a winner, creating several promising chances.

Newcomer Favour Ogbebor then replaced Sinclair and Gordons came on for Probert as Worksop strove to freshen things up.

Far from achieving this, the side looked all at sea with even the ever reliable Rodzos looking rattled.

Inevitably on 70 minutes, SJR’s persistence paid off. After regaining possession, Louis Colley picked up the ball on the edge of the box, beat his man, and cut inside before firing a low shot past the keeper to make it 2-1 to SJR.

A third change for the home side saw Carver on for Yaremenko while Roddis fluffed a shot on goal.

On the 80 minute mark, Arrian replaced Watts and then Rodzos presented an SJR attacker with the ball but he was bailed out by a defender on the line.

SJR continued to control the second half but couldn’t find the third goal to put the game to bed.

That proved costly in the closing minutes.

The cries of dismay emanating from the home bench for a foul 25 yards out were then quietened somewhat as Roddis calmly sent a well-struck effort curling around the wall and into the near corner to rescue a point at 2-2.

Right at the death Carver was put through with only the keeper to beat, but save it he did as the final whistle sounded.

Despite the disappointment of conceding late, it was a much-improved display from SJR – exactly the response the management team had been looking for.

It was a positive point on the road against a well-organised Worksop side, and plenty to build on heading into Tuesday night’s home clash with Ollerton in another local derby.