A brace from Jason Pritchard helped Sinclair United come back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Diverse in a thrilling encounter.
Following last week's indifferent display against Bloxham, United produced a perfect response which combined character, heart and determination against another of the top sides in the division.
Stuart Ciballi returned in goal in place of Toby Jones, with Nathan Lee starting on the right side of midfield in place of Ben Washington who was on the bench. And following the kick off United started off much brighter than last week.
It was a tough battling encounter in the centre of midfield, with Ian Timms and Karl Woodcock looking to find Josh Nash and Luke Butterworth up front. But the home side were to go behind in the 10th minute when a move down the left side saw United stand off the Diverse forward, and as he found space to shoot he curled a shot which flew into the top corner.
Despite the disappointment of going 1-0 down United didn't let their heads drop and after the goal they enjoyed a lion's share of possession in the opposition's half, looking to find that equaliser. And they were getting close as the half wore on, Lee consistently beating his man on the right side and looking dangerous with various crosses.
It was unusual for the United back four to have a fair share of possession, but with all their dominance they were unable to test the Diverse keeper. Their first shot on target saw Nash work well to get the ball away from the opposition defence, but his hard shot was gathered by the keeper.
A succession of corners and free kicks saw United pepper the opposition goal, but they were always prone to the counter attack. A number of times Diverse looked dangerous with their forwards looking to exploit the gaps left, but the home side's defence held firm to snuff out any threats or see any shots fly out of play.
It looked as if United were going to go in the break only 1-0 down, but Diverse were to double their advantage following a goalmouth scramble. As United failed to clear their lines, the ball managed to ricochet around the box, with the Diverse forward getting the final touch to beat Ciballi.
The goal was a bit of a sucker punch for United, who despite being 2-0 down were still in the game and could still get something out of it.
And United started the second half in much the same way, with some positive attacking play down both wings and through the middle. The next goal would be crucical in the match and fortunately it was the home side who manage to reduce the deficit.
Following a foul on the right side, a great ball from Butterworth found Pritchard free in the box and guided the ball over the Diverse keeper with an accurate volley. This should have been the catalyst to really push United on to get that equaliser, but disaster was to strike only three minutes later as Diverse scored to go 3-1 up.
A long ball up top was missed by Luke Jarvis was seized upon by the Diverse forward and he managed to round Ciballi in goal and put the ball in the empty net.
In recent years United would have possibly folded but they kept working hard and were finding themselves once again on top. Timms and Woodcock were still doing well in the middle to drive forward, and substitute Ben Washington was enjoying space down the right as well.
Their perseverance was to pay off in the 75th minute again when good work down the right by Butterworth found Pritchard in the box and despite seeing his first shot saved, he was not to be denied the second time when he bundled the ball past the keeper.
There was a new found belief in the home side and they kept working hard at the front as well as at the back. They were still having to defend doggily to ensure they do not go further behind but they always looked a threat going forward.
And it was Woodcock who was to find that elusive goal equaliser. The ball was crossed in by substitute Paul Rogers and Woodcock powerfully headed down at the back post and the ball managed to squirm past the keeper and into the net.
It was no more than United deserved as they had been the better side in the second half. But after working so hard to get back in the game, they had to be at their best to not concede any more goals. And following a succession of pressure from Diverse they managed to snuff out any danger.
The final whistle signalled the end of a great team performance by United. Following last week's disappointment it was a great response from all the players and will certainly give them confidence as they head into the Christmas break.
United are now unbeaten in two games, and are away from league action next week when they face reigning champions Abba Athletic in the Coronation Cup.
