Nantwich Town blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in their final home pre-season match against local rivals Northwich Victoria.
The Dabbers raced into a 2-0 lead with fine strikes by Callum Saunders and Joel Connolly.
But the visitors hit back after the break in an entertaining clash to earn a share of the spoils.
Nantwich were looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat away at Prescot Cables at the weekend, with Cables retaining the 1884 Cup as a result.
And the hosts started brightly and took the lead as early as the 16th minute when Callum Saunders pounced on a rebound off the post to tap in.
Panter and Greenop also had chances in a busy first half for Nantwich – and they emerged after the break with the same verve.
They doubled the lead on 53 minutes thanks to a fine individual effort by Connolly (pictured above) and looked to be coasting.
Then Victoria sparked into life and after forcing Ben Garratt into a double save on 55 minutes they scored twice in three minutes.
They pulled the first one back on 58 minutes with a close range effort scrambled in.
The visitors then hit the post moments later, before hitting the leveller on 61 minutes when a ball to the back post was bundled in.
Both sides had the shackles firmly off and each had numerous chances in the final 25 minutes to snatch a winner, with Greenop spurning the best opportunities for Nantwich.
The Dabbers open their Northern Premier League – West season on August 9 with an away trip to Bootle, kick off 3pm.
Their first home league game is on Tuesday August 12 when they welcome Kidsgrove Athletic for a 7.45pm kick off.
(pics by Jonathan White)
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