MATT JAMES scored an injury-time equaliser as Hereford Pegasus rescued a 2-2 draw against city rivals Westfields following an intense Hellenic Premier clash at allpay.park on Boxing Day.

Both sides came up against familiar faces with Hereford Pegasus having nine former Fields players in their starting 11.

Despite sitting low in the league than their opponents Pegasus worked hard throughout the game and twice came back after Westfields had taken the lead.

It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after seven minutes when Cawley Cox struck the crossbar from Zac Powell's driven cross on the right.

However, Owen Taylor pounced on the loose ball to fire home past Matt Gwynne.

Peggy hit back and Shay Sterry in the Fields goal produced two brilliant diving saves.

However, the visitors were level on the stroke of half-time when Jordan Williamson got free down the left flank and beat Sterry from an acute angle to send the sides in level at the break.

After the interval the 246 Boxing Day crowd were treated to a third goal when Cawley Cox was brought down in full flight by goalkeeper Matt Gwynne resulting in a penalty being awarded.

Cox got up to beat the Peggy keeper from the spot to give Westfields a 2-1 lead on the 53rd minute.

Westfields then produced their best spell and should have increased their lead but Zac Powell twice failed to convert gilt edge chances and a Cox shot flew inches past the Peggy upright .

Hereford Pegasus came more into the game as the half progresses as Westfields gave away free-kicks and corners.

With the clock ticking down Hereford Pegasus had their last throw of the dice with a last minute corner and substitute Matt James tucked the ball away as Westfields failed to attack the corner kick for a dramatic late equaliser in the Hellenic League derby.

The result leaves Westfields in 10th position and nine points from the play-off positions as they head to promotion contenders Mangotsfield United on New Years Day (kick-off 3pm).

During a hectic Christmas period Pegasus were also in action on Saturday, when they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Thornbury Town.

Callum Chambers saw his 20th minute opener for the hosts cancelled out by Jack Gittoes’ goal. However, Chambers struck again in the second half before Zak Kempster secured the points.

In the Hellenic Division One, Wellington had the Christmas spell away from action but return with a home clash against Clanfield this weekend.