KIERAN Stares helped Pickering Town come from behind to share the spoils with eight-man Golcar United in the NCEL Premier Division.

George Doyle had earlier broken the deadlock for the hosts, but the afternoon ended on a sour note for his side, with three red cards brandished before the final whistle.

Pikes skipper Wayne Brooksby was also dismissed for a second yellow card in the dying minutes, leaving just 18 players on the pitch at the game’s conclusion.

The sides’ 1-1 stalemate was Pickering’s third throughout January in their plight to move away from the division’s relegation zone.

Just five points now separate Tony Hackworth’s side from last-placed Maltby Main, whom they will host in a crucial clash at Mill Lane on Saturday (3pm).

Following Toby Wells’ departure to North Yorkshire rivals Knaresborough earlier in the week, youngster Harrison McGuire was given the nod between the sticks, but there was no place in the squad for Max McGuckin on his return from Northallerton Town.

The West Yorkshire side started well and had the ball in the back of the net after just seven minutes, only for play to be pulled back for a free-kick and Pickering’s Connor Avison sent to the sin-bin.

Golcar continued to see the better of the chances, with Kai Phillip’s effort ruled out for offside before Doyle’s shot was gathered by McGuire.

But they were rewarded in the second minute of stoppage time, Doyle striking to give them the slenderest of advantages at the interval.

Stares though ensured that their lead lasted mere minutes, bringing the Pikes back onto level terms shortly after the restart.

Jake Barrett received the first dismissal of the match with 52 minutes played but his side continued to press forward, with Phillip and Ollie Russon coming agonisingly close to restoring Golcar’s lead.

Kiero Lawrence was next to see red for the hosts after a poorly-timed challenge, with Brooksby then joining another home player in earning an early bath with five minutes remaining, but a winning goal proved elusive for both sides.