AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON 1

DENBIGH TOWN 1

GARETH Partridge's last gasp strike ensured that Denbigh Town picked up something from their weekend trip to Airbus.

It was a key clash in the race to achieve a top-two finish in the Huws Gray Alliance this season and Partridge's vital strike means that Eddie Maurice-Jones' charges remain well in the mix for a runners-up finish.

Maurice-Jones gave new signing Matthew Worrell his first start up front for Town, while Rakim Newton had also earned himself a recall to the starting line-up.

It was Airbus who started the stronger of the two sides on their Hollingsworth Group Stadium 4G pitch.

Early on, Denbigh keeper Keighan Jones was forced to run out of his area to thwart an Airbus break.

It took Denbigh a good 10 minutes to get their first attack on the Airbus goal, with Worrall shooting over the bar after good link-up play with Craig Pritchard.

Minutes later and Pritchard's free kick forced a fine save from Andy Coughlin in the Airbus goal.

Airbus player Leo Riley had a great chance to give his side the lead when he rounded Town keeper Jones, but his chip ended up just wide of the post.

At the other end, Worrall was foiled by Coughlin, while Kristian Pierce's fierce drive went just go wide of the post.

Airbus also threatened, with Ryan Edwards's effort forcing a good save from Keighan Jones, but the home side were able to celebrate a minute prior to the interval.

An Airbus corner landed in the six-yard box and appear to bounce of the legs off one of Denbigh’s defenders to end in the back of the net, although Kristian Platt claimed the goal.

Town started the second half well and Pritchard's early shot went straight into Coughlin’s arms.

Airbus had a great chance to double their lead on 50 minutes when Lewis Buckley fired in a shot, which produced another excellent save from Jones.

This led to a spell when Airbus had a great deal of possession and they were in control of the game, with Denbigh’s attacks being limited.

Buckley should have put the game out of Denbigh’s reach when he went through on goal, but Liam Smith and Dan Sullivan got back to help Keighan Jones smother the ball.

Airbus continued to attack and Jones kept his side in the contest when he made two first class saves within seconds of each other.

Town were able to up their game in the closing stages, with Dan Sullivan firing just wide from Joel Hewitt's pass.

Then, in the 90th minute, great play by Warren Duckett saw him fire a ball across the Airbus area and this was met by Gareth Partridge, who blasted home from 10 yards for a dramatic equaliser.