ELLESMERE Rangers held early North West Counties South League leaders Sandbach United to a 1-1 draw at Beech Grove today.

Niall Thomas have Mere the lead on the hour and the hosts looked on course for all three points before Bobbie McDonnell snatched an equaliser at the death.

Meanwhile St Martins slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Stafford Town.

The visitors led with goals from Ben Vangucci and Ryan Bradshaw and despite Samuel Roberts reducing the arrears on half-time the Saints could find no way back into the game in the second-half as Stafford held out for all three points.

The Saints have added goalkeeper Riccardo Longato to their ranks with the ex-Rochdale player joining from Hyde United.

Meanwhile Morda United have strengthened with the signing of ex-Ellesmere and St Martins utility man Richard Chamberlain ahead of their debut in the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League.

Departing Weston Pools Park is Luke Barry who has joined JT Hughes Montgomeryshire League side Trefonen while Rhys Owen has returned to Ardal North East League club Four Crosses.