NANTWICH Town kicked off their season with a battling 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Abbey Hey.

The home side started strongly and were heaping pressure on a Dabbers team that just couldn't gel. After 25 minutes the onslaught finally told as Pickering headed home a great cross from the left to put Abbey in front.

They should have added a second with a great shot that struck the post but came back out, Nantwich breathed again.

At that point, Nantwich boss Paul Cuddy decided to change his formation from three at the back to 4-4-2 and his side looked much more comfortable going into half time.

The visitors came out with all guns blazing and Andy Gale equalised on 50 minutes after Picking up a great through ball to fire past Abbey's keeper.

Man of the match Gale then had a super effort, skinning the defence and shooting from 35 yards. The ball flew past the keeper's head, only to bounce off the crossbar and back out.

With five minutes to go Nantwich had a strong penalty claim turned away after Gayle was felled in the box and Abbey could have stolen it at the death with a late chance that ended hitting the post.

If this game is anything to go by, an exciting season is in-store for Nantwich.

Tonight, Thursday, Nantwich play their first home game of the season, against Cheadle Town, kick off 7.30pm.

Saturday, the Dabbers take on Ford Sports Daventry in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup, kick off 3pm. A coach is available for any fans wishing to travel, leaving The Leopard pub at 11pm for a nominal fee.

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