Two late goals rescued a point for Hatfield Town against derby rivals Welwyn Garden City as they met in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division on Monday.

A FESTIVE football treat saw goals aplenty at Herns Lane on Monday as Welwyn Garden City and their Hatfield Town tenants played out an exciting 3-3 draw.

Both were keen to gain the derby day bragging rights in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division clash, which was played in front of a bumper crowd of 223.

With six minutes to play it appeared it would be the Citizens with the smiles on their faces as they led 3-1, however a dramatic late fight back saw Hatfield net twice in the dying stages to rescue a point.

It was Town, for whom this was a home game against their landlords, who struck first in the encounter.

Richard Cooke’s effort on 16 minutes went in past new Welwyn Garden City keeper Simon Chang.

As Trevor Lloyd’s side looked to take a slender lead into half-time striker Dominic Hines popped up to level just before the break.

Just 12 minutes into the second period Darren Wells put City ahead for the first time in the match as his effort from the edge of the area deflected in.

And soon after they extended their advantage.

Town’s Lewis Field fouled in the area and was sent off, Wells took the spot-kick and beat keeper Sam Lacey to make it 3-1 to WGC.

As the clocked ticked down towards the end of play it seemed City would hold on for the three points and claim only their fourth league victory of the season.

However, the bottom of the table team were to be denied by their 10-man opponents.

Town midfielder Rhys Lawrence pulled one back on 85 minutes and less than two minutes later the game was tied 3-3 by Hatfield forward Matt Standen.

The result leaves Town 15th in the standings with 24 points from 21 games.

City remain rooted to the foot of the table on nine points from their 22 league matches so far this season.

On Saturday WGC are in action at Herns Lane as they welcome Kingsbury London Tigers to Times Territory.

Hatfield hit the road at the weekend as they are set to travel away to Royston Town.