BOSS Dave Rawkins galvanized his young Sarum Youth Seniors to turning in a season’s best performance away at Devizes Town.

Erasing the 8-0 meltdown against Malmesbury from their minds, and with Rawkins back in the dugout, they were transformed in the Wiltshire Premier League as they picked up a critical point.

The visiting side started in tremendous fashion and managed to muster the first few chances as Dan Paddington fired just wide and then Marcus Giddings had a great chance from a lovely through ball but the home keeper pulled off a great save.

Then, Sarum hit the bar with a thunderous shot that the keeper miraculously tipped onto the bar as the visitors inched closer and closer to opening the scoring.

The second half continued in the same fashion, but the home side were more in the game, although being kept at a distance by some excellent defending by Sarum.

Archie Lovegrove’s attempt sailed just over the bar and Paddington went close twice, but the home keeper was in great form.

Against the run of play Devizes finally took the lead with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty box.

Sarum pressed and pressed for the leveller and got their just rewards when a quick Lovegrove free kick tried to pick out the electric Jake Rawkins but was intercepted by the defender, who tried to head back to his keeper, but instead accidentally steered the ball into his own net.

After the 1-1 stalemate, Rawkins said: “The players really had a lot to prove after last week’s shambles.

“I could not be more pleased as they showed a superb attitude and focus this week, with every single player putting in a tremendous display.

“We were the better side for most of the game and hit the woodwork three times.

“With a bit more luck we would have won the game comfortably.

“This game showed what they are capable of in this league but they have to play with that effort and desire each match.”

Sarum Youth will host Chippenham Youth on Saturday (3pm).