STOCKBRIDGE were without several players for the match against a Stoneham side who have only lost one league match so far this season.

Dave Cotter was pressed into playing as a central defender and did the job well but the Robins made the worst possible start when after only four minutes the visitors took the lead through Luke Musselwhite.

A few minutes later Jazz Beavis broke through the Stoneham defence but was foiled by the advancing keeper.

The big strong visiting side were on top at this stage and Dan Kempson pulled off two great saves before was unlucky to be beaten when he made a fine double stop only for Musselwhite to force the ball home.

Ashley Childs went close a couple of times for Stockbridge before the interval but the score remained 2-0 to Stoneham at the break.

Two minutes into the second half, Stockbridge found a way back into the game when some great interplay with Beavis left Childs to fire past the Stoneham keeper.

Stockbridge were spurred on by their goal and levelled soon after with Childs and Beavis again combining on the right before Childs crossed to Jordan Brown who headed home.

Two minutes later the Stoneham keeper did well to keep out a well struck shot by Lee Hamilton before Stoneham then threw everything at Stockbridge but determined defending and some good goalkeeping kept them at bay.

The Robins nearly snatched a winner in the last minute when Brown was denied by a fine save.

Stockbridge manager Dean Hutchins must be pleased with all the hard work his team put in during the second half to take a well-earned point.

Tomorrow Stockbridge are at home to Southsea United in the Hants Intermediate Cup at 2pm.