Mark Ephgrave and Lee Rusbridge's squad featured no fewer than six of last season's u18 cup winning side and five debutants. Despite a bright start, the visitors were naive defensively and conceded two poor goals to leave themselves with it all to do.

In fairness to the home side, they had a number of experienced heads in their ranks and they used it to their advantage early on as a new-look Baldock team struggled to find their feet.

The Reds had plenty of chances in the opening period and were arguably the better side until they went behind with Russell West, Jan Vanek and Paul Wright all testing the home keeper. However, after conceding twice in the space of ten minutes, Town lost their shape and a bit of confidence.

After a few words of encouragement at the break and the introduction of four substitutes, the Reds came out after the break looking a more solid outfit. Martin Wright impressed at centre half, Lee Rusbridge dictated the play in the middle of the park and the pacey Joe Parker and Dean Laing offered Town a potent attacking threat alongside Mark Nunn.

It didn't take long for the visitors to halve the deficit. A flowing move involving Matt Hayes and Nunn saw the latter feed Parker inside the full back and despite the keeper blocking his initial effort, he tucked away the rebound for a debut goal.

Town continued to probe and dominate possession, but they had to be wary of the hosts who looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Baldock then got the leveller their efforts deserved. Fine work involving Hayes, Nunn and then Dean Laing saw the youngster drive low across the box for Paul Wright to steer home from close range.

Both sides had half chances in the closing stages, but a draw was probably a fair result in the end. The Reserves have one more friendly before they kick off their title defence at Bush Hill Rangers a week on Saturday. They travel to Lea Sports PSG from Pirton next Wednesday - 6.30pm ko.

Reserves: Burnett, Hayes, M.Bergman, Breed, Bowman, Pride, West, P.Wright, Nunn, Vanek, Oyesile Subs Used: Rusbridge, M.Wright, Parker, Laing