IT ended all square in the first-leg of the Wiseman Lighting Floodlit Cup Final on Tuesday as Pershore Town held Mangotsfield United to a 0-0 draw in Bristol.

The two sides could not be split in the first 90 minutes, with the Step 6 side holding their higher-level opponents to a goalless draw ahead of the return leg next week, despite having captain Kirk Layton sent-off late on.

Danny Janes' side, chasing their fourth trophy in two seasons, were good value for the clean sheet but almost conceded with the last kick after Layton was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Plums' keeper Eddie Cox stood and watched the resulting free-kick rattle the crossbar but that was as close as anyone came and the game ended goalless. 

"We came away slightly disappointed as we felt we did enough to win the game based on overall play and chances created," said manager Danny Janes.

"Apart from a 15-minute spell in the second half, I felt we dominated the ball and controlled the game.

"We got into so many good positions but lacked that cutting edge.

"Overall, I was really pleased with the performance in terms of how competitive we were, it was a tough game. On a difficult pitch the players played some fantastic football at times.

"The tie is now nicely poised for the second leg at our ground. Our attention now turns to Saturday as we face a difficult test against Malmesbury."

The second-leg will be played at the AIM Community Stadium next Tuesday, March 21 and Pershore will most likely be without their captain.

The club are awaiting the footage to see whether it is a decision they can appeal but there will need to be substantial evidence of that to have the red card overturned.

"Kirk is then sent off for a professional foul, we believe he didn’t even make contact, the player has just been clever and gone over Kirk’s leg," added Janes.

"I appreciate mistakes will be made, but there were some very strange decisions on the night."

Pershore are back in league action this weekend when they look to take another step closer to the Hellenic League Division One title. They host Malmesbury Victoria at the Community Stadium, one of only two sides to beat Janes' men in the league this season.