A LATE Ross Stephens penalty rescued a precious point for lowly Caersws while frustrating the league leaders at the Recreation Ground.

In a game of two spot kicks, Rhyl had taken the lead in contentious fashion when Lee Hunt converted on 68 minutes after home defender Hugh Clarke was ruled to have handled in the box.

Clarke and Colin Reynolds were both booked for their protests but the Bluebirds salvaged a share of the spoils six minutes from time when

midfielder Stephens fired home following a handball award at the other end.

"Rhyl are top of the table, but we competed with them all round the field and a draw was about right," said Bluebirds boss Mickey Evans, whose side are still looking for their first win in eight league outings.

The keenly contested encounter ebbed and flowed with the two sides sparking plenty of goalmouth incident.

Home midfielder Martin Plant was denied by keeper John Gann in the first period, his follow-up also being blocked, while Graham Evans went close in each half.

After the break, home substitute Chris Jones also failed to capitalise when, having been put through by Stephens, his shot was pushed round the post by Gann.

Rhyl, looking to extend their lead at the top, also had a number of promising moments with Hunt and Horan both off target early in the game.