Draw specialists Newhaven came from two-goals down to earn a point at Lancing on Friday night.

The Dockers have now drawn five of their last seven league games – including all of their last three – and currently sit tenth in Division One.

It was the proverbial game of two halves at Culver Road as the hosts took a 2-0 lead in to the break, with goals from Dom Shepherd and Jon Melia.

But Newhaven got themselves back in it as first Tyler Goatcher forced an own goal, before James Rhodes finished well past James Shaw.

Manager Paul Harrison made four changes to the Dockers starting line-up. Dan Pollard was given a debut at centre-back and Craig Bunch made his first start since joining the club. Scott Edwards and Jason Goddard also returned to the starting eleven.

Newhaven started the game with confidence, seeing a lot of the ball in the early stages and forcing the hosts to defend.

The visitor’s best chance fell to Lee Robinson, who was played in by Goatcher, but his low effort was kept out by the foot of goalkeeper Shaw.

Having seen off any danger at the back, it was Lancing who grew in to the game and the home side took a 25th minute lead.

Newhaven were a man light, with Daniel Murray off the pitch receiving treatment, and Lancing were able to a get a cross in to the box after a throw-in. The ball fell to Shepherd who drove his shot past Jake Buss.

The home side, who had conceded 13 goals in their previous two league and cup games, grew in confidence and managed to double their lead.

Shepherd was again involved as he played a pass in to Melia who confidently placed his effort in to the corner of the net.

The Dockers needed a quick response in the second half and they nearly got it but Shaw was again on hand to deny Goatcher when one-on-one.

Newhaven pushed for a way back in to the game and they found it with 25 minutes left to play. Robinson kept the ball alive on the right and found Rhodes, who in turn played the ball to Goatcher and he found the back of the net, via a defender.

The visitors were on top and ten minutes later they were on level terms. Robinson and Rhodes again combined but this time the latter went for goal himself and found Shaw’s left hand corner with aplomb.

The remaining time saw both teams throw caution to the wind, and the game was incredibly open, but despite a number of openings neither side could find the important fifth goal.

Newhaven: Jake Buss, Jason Goddard, Daniel Murray (Lawrence Edwards), Terry Gacias (c), Scott Edwards (Adam Kneller), Dan Pollard, Lee Robinson, Sean Breach (Connor Jones), Craig Bunch, James Rhodes, Tyler Goatcher. Unused sub: Jayson Sowter.
Booked: Buss, Goatcher, Goddard.

Attendance: 61
Referee: Gary Hamilton