UPTON Town ended Cheltenham Association League Division One leaders Lakeside’s 100 per cent record with a 2-2 away draw.

They gave league debuts to ex-Ledbury Town trio Ian Merrick, Craig Kitchener and Nick Blakeway, along with Matt McIntosh.

Town now seem to have the team and strength in depth to deal with their injuries and push on.

The visitors started well and Kristian Richardson came close early on.

But He then opened the scoring, flicking on a free-kick as the ball bounced off the quick surface past the keeper, who had a lapse in concentration.

However, Lakeside equalised on 35 minutes with their first effort on goal, which was a well-taken finish.

Richardson restored Town’s lead with a dipping 30-yarder for his sixth goal in three games.

Lakeside had their keeper to thank for a good save from Matt Hindmarsh.

But they levelled again early in the second-half, after a slow start from Town.

Lakeside also hit the bar, but Upton looked the most likely to win as the game went on.

Tom Crump was denied by a fine save by the keeper at full stretch, while Nick Chance and James Smith both came close with long-range efforts.

Tom Morris was inches away from having a clear view of goal late on.

Upton Town travel to Fairfield Villa in the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup second round tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hanley Swan lost 4-1 at home to unbeaten Whaddon United in Cheltenham Association League Division One.

The opening exchanges were even but Hanley went ahead when a good left-wing cross from Kev Moore was diverted into his own goal by the Whaddon full-back.

Keeper Dan Hughes saved well to deny the visitors and Cathal McTernan went close with a header at the other end, just before the break.

Early in the second-half, the referee awarded Whaddon a controversial penalty, which they scored, and the decision changed the game.

Stunned, Hanley conceded another goal and Whaddon looked the better team.

Hanley tried to force their way back but robust tackling denied them.

Whaddon scored a good goal on the break and added a fourth late on.

Hanley host Bartley Green in the Worcestershire FA Junior Cup tomorrow (2pm).