ALCESTER Town had to settle for a share of the points when held to a 1-1 draw by Barton United in Midlands League Division Three.

Barton had the better of chances in a goalless first half but were mainly restricted to long range efforts.

Alcester proved much brighter after the break and took the lead when Connor Poole careered down the left flank and delivered an inch perfect cross for substitute Tom Higgins to convert.

Barton finished by applying late pressure and were rewarded when George Stack levelled matters.

Alcester boss Danny Janes later accused his players of not being ruthless enough in front of goal.

He said: "Statistics do not lie, goals have been an issue for us all season. We have one of the best defences in the league but we have dropped points because we haven't been ruthless enough and I feel we are missing some characters in the side."

Alcester Town travel to Enville Athletic on Boxing Day and then host Northfield Town on January 2 when they will be looking to improve on their sixth placing.