WHITCHURCH twice came from behind to claim a point at Bemerton to maintain their place at the top of the table but will rue a penalty miss that perhaps cost them all three points.

On a perfect playing surface Whitchurch were first to show with a Danny Phillips cross that Ben Thomson just failed to control at the far post.

Visiting keeper Brad Snelling saved well from Neil Williams before Josh Harfield was wide and Thomson saw a free-kick held at the second attempt by Max Frampton.

Snelling tipped over a 30- yard piledriver from Jack Eves before the home side took the lead with the half at its midway point.

Bemerton worked their way down the right and when the defence failed to clear the cross Aaron Cook volleyed home.

Jack Garner was too high from distance and Frampton saved at Rudi Plummer’s feet and the same player then fired into the side netting when a cross looked the better option.

Bemerton full back Dan Frampton was cautioned for a challenge and manager Ian Chalk sent from the dugout for disputing the decision before the half finished with a Thomson cross that sailed untouched across the area.

Bemerton were immediately on the offensive on the restart with Reece Rusher hitting the side netting after some clever footwork and Jack Slade thwarted by a last ditch challenge by Cole Hinchcliffe before Whitchurch brought the scores level with their first attack of the half.

Garner sent Phillips away on the left touchline and the striker’s cross found Ryan Lambert stealing into the box to head home at the far post.

Harfield collected a caution for a challenge and two minutes after equalising the visitors had a golden chance to take the lead as Garner was tumbled over on the corner of the area but Frampton dived to his left to save Plummer’s spot kick.

The keeper then turned a swirling Thomson cross over the bar with Adam Pearson heading wide in a goalmouth scramble from the corner.

Whitchurch were enjoying the greater share of the possession and it was against the run of play when the home side went ahead, again midway through the half.

Some neat work down the right pulled the defence apart and when the cross came Williams finished easily at the far post.

Scott Hassall replaced Garner and immediately made his mark on the game with a long crossfield ball that Jack McCarthy turned in from a very acute angle at the far post.

Hassall then turned from provider to saviour as he cleared a shot from Slade off the line and substitute Tom Lockyer forced a fine save from Frampton at the other end but despite a frantic last five minutes neither side could find a winner and the points were shared.

With Moneyfields and Petersfield both drawing, Whitchurch retained their top spot, though victories for Newport and Blackfield pushed them back into contention.