STUART Windsor struck early in the second half to ensure Calne Town claimed a Toolstation First Division point in a 1-1 draw at home to Welton Rovers on Saturday.

Aaron Seviour had put Welton in front just before the interval, with the visitors having earlier missed the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot when Calne keeper Steve Allison saved Malik Jammon’s strike.

Calne chief Dave Ferris missed the match but after hearing an account of the game, felt it was a case of two points dropped.

“As far as I am aware, the game went very well,” said Ferris.

“I don’t think there was a great deal in it in the first half and Neurin Jones, who took the reins in my absence, made a few changes, including putting Stuart up front from midfield and we managed to get a goal back after about five minutes.

“From then on, I think we felt disappointed not to go on and win the game in terms of the number of chances created.”

The point was the first for Calne from the five league games Ferris has overseen since taking over in mid-November and they remain down in third from bottom in the table.

“It’s very early days and there’s a lot of work still to do,” added Ferris.

“The big problem for Calne has been the regular commitment of players. Those guys that weren’t able to commit all the time have moved on.

“As far as the players we still have are concerned, the commitment is fantastic and there is a real sense of wanting to work hard for the team.

“We have got a young squad and have some good players in the youth team so before rushing out to bring new players in, we want to take stock of what we have got and give everyone a chance.”

Elsewhere, a late Keynsham Town equaliser denied Corsham Town all three points as they also had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Southbank.

There were heavy defeats for Malmesbury Victoria and Devizes Town on the road as they were beaten 4-0 and 3-0 at Bishops Lydeard and Bishop Sutton respectively.

Chippenham Park were without a fixture and in the Premier Division, Melksham Town saw their proposed game at home to Street postponed because of a power failure at the Conigre.

There will be a feast of festive derby treats on Boxing Day as Calne travel to Park – the club Ferris left over the summer – and Devizes play host to Corsham.

Malmesbury are at home to Oldland Abbotonians, while Melksham entertain Bradford Town in the top flight.

Ahead of a meeting with his old club, Calne boss Ferris said: “The only thing that’s important from our point of view is the three points.

“It will be nice to see some of the boys from Park again but they will be more than happy to put one across my bows just as much as I want Calne to succeed.”