WARRINGTON Rylands kept their unbeaten run going with a late strike from Clive Smith rescuing a point in an incident-packed encounter at Gainsborough Trinity.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the second half and Blues keeper Luke Pilling saved a penalty before Smith scored his timely first goal of the campaign.

Smith found the net after two goal-line clearances and the crossbar looked to have saved Gainsborough, but second-placed Rylands headed home unbeaten in their last 10 Northern Premier League Premier Division matches.

The hosts, unbeaten at home this season but 17th on the ladder due to poor away form, went ahead in the ninth minute when Dec Howe lifted the ball over Pilling after being slipped through by Dayle Southwell.

Howe hit the post from a tight angle in the 22nd minute as Trinity enjoyed the better moments of the opening quarter.

Michael Clegg’s men, who included this week’s new signing Cheikh Emthiam making his debut, then seemed to find more of their rhythm.

They were creating plenty of chances without finding the net.

Gainsborough’s George Hornshaw was sent off in the 65th minute for a second bookable offence, and then 12 minutes later Rylands’ Ben Hough followed him for an early shower after a high challenge on Howe.

Pilling went the right way to save Bobby Johnson’s penalty in the 85th minute after Javelle Clarke had been brought down in the box.

And then in the fifth of seven minutes of added time Smith dramatically struck for the share of the spoils.