Welwyn Garden City returned from a week's break with their first draw of the season at home to Bishop's Stortford.

They had a full-strength side and the added luxury of two substitutes for the first time this season but against dogged opponents, the 2-2 draw was about right.

The Hertfordshire Sports Village-based hockey club started slowly but for all of Stortford's pressing, they failed to threaten Dan Klinger in the home goal.

And once they had grown into the contest, with sharp passing from James Lutrario and Pete Mullens as well as experienced play by Nick Reilly and Mark Skilbeck, Welwyn showed the visitors how to be clinical, Bryn Evans putting them in front from a short corner.

They went looking for the second goal too with Oli Rowe and Paul Marchant making a difference with fresh legs off the bench.

But they were hit by a sucker punch as Stortford levelled with a set-piece routine of their own before the break.

Parity was broken midway through the second period when the away side took the lead, pouncing on careless play at the back.

But WGC were given a route back into the game with ill-discipline from the visitors.

And with time running out, they forced another short corner and a different routine proved fruitful.

Dave Allmand-Smith struck the ball towards the back post where Callum Burr was waiting to deflect it past the Stortford goalkeeper.

Both teams pressed for a winner in the final few minutes but there were no further chances created.

Welwyn go to Harpenden on Saturday.