TWO goals by man-of-the-match Mike Farrington helped an under-strength Old Malton stayed top of Yorkshire League division three after holding out for a 2-2 draw at Lincoln.

Unbeaten Malt made the long trip with only the bare bones of a team due to unavailability of several key players, whereas Lincoln, while being bottom of the table, had strengthened with players from their first division side.

Old Malton took a while to find their bearings, and the task was made harder when they had to play with 10 men for five minutes due to a blood injury and then for 10 minutes due to a sin-binning.

However, while Lincoln had all the pressure, Old Malton scored on the counter attack through Farrington.

Wave after wave of Lincoln attacks were dealt with, but the hosts finally equalised after a series of short corners were awarded.

Old Malton began the second half back up to 11 players and set about the home team.

All their pressure was not rewarded, though, and they even saw a penalty stroke saved, before Mark Taylor-Ollsson’s determined run into the ‘D’ saw the ball smashed home by Farrington.

However, Malton were being penalised for strong tackles and it was not long before short corners were awarded, at which point Lincoln’s first-teamers took control and crashed home the equaliser with a smart routine.

Another short corner was awarded to Lincoln and, with the final whistle going, it allowed them to send every man forward.

However, Old Malton held firm and a draw was the reward for their hard work.