AFTER two narrow defeats, Sarum Youth Seniors stopped the rot on Saturday with an excellent second half comeback to grab a deserved point from a 2-2 draw with third from bottom Marlborough.

Sarum had several vital players missing and were giving debuts to the next batch of young players at the club, including Tom Sainsbury and Sam Bowyer who took to the first fold well.

But Sarum’s lacklustre season took another battering in the first half when they conceded twice due to awful defending.

Acting manager for the day Dan Cousins, covering Dave Rawkins who was away, asked for a reaction in the second period and the youthful side delivered, playing with more aggression.

Mike Joy, Dan Paddington and Marcus Giddings all went close and two superb saves kept Sarum at bay.

But one was retrieved after Giddings’ flighted free kick was met by Jake Chambers just inside the box whose header looped over the keeper.

In the 85th minute, Sarum got a deserved equaliser, this time Gidding’s untouched free kick arrowed into the far post.

Stand-in boss Cousins said: “I was really disappointed with the first half performance as it was nowhere near what we’re capable of.

“The second half was more like it as we quickened every aspect of our game and in the end were unlucky not to get three points.

“We need to stop having these silly spells that are costing us points but I’m sure the boss (Dave Rawkins) will get that sorted.”