NOT even the debut of former Cardiff City and Wales defender Jason Perry could inspire the Crows to defeat an average Caersws side, which deserved to halt a run of two successive 3-2 Welsh Premier defeats at Cwmbran Stadium.

But it should have been a hat trick of similar results had Welsh not spurned a late, headed opportunity to secure Cwmbran's fourth win from 11 league outings.

Bettws-born Perry, also formerly of Bristol Rovers and Hull City, was recently released from his Newport County contract and will certainly add experience to a defence which lost stalwarts Richard Carter and Neil Smothers lately.

A brilliant 30-yard effort from Caersws' Chris Venables ten minutes from time earned the visitors parity as manager Brian Coyne's men had to be content with their first draw in 15 league games.

A break by midfielder Kristian Diamond down the left released winger Richard Hurlin, who put the Crows one up by firing past goalkeeper Andrew Mulliner from 15 yards. Caersws, though, took just three minutes to level matters when top goalscorer Graham Evans made no mistake in beating Cwmbran stopper Marty Ellacott from close range.

Both sides spurned good chances to go ahead, with Ellacott being forced to make the most saves before Cwmbran gained their reward for some enterprising play.

Mulliner hesitated to come out and collect Hurlin's fine, left-wing cross, and there, waiting at the far post to pounce, was Welsh, who hooked the ball home from an acute angle. Ellacott produced another save to deny Evans a second, but it wasn't long before Venables smashed home the equaliser to ensure his side return to Mid Wales with a point. The game was watched by just 77 spectators - Cwmbran's lowest-ever home league crowd in the WP's 13-year history.

Cwmbran Town: M Ellacott, R David (C Parker 46), T Green, J Perry, G Warton, M Fowler, J Edwards, R Jones, J Welsh, K Diamond, R Hurlin (K Mohamed 80). Sub not used: L Fernquest. Booked: Hurlin (38). Goals: Hurlin (8), Welsh (74).

Caersws: A Mulliner, A Thomas, C Venables, C Reynolds, H Clarke (M Howells 24), J Davies, K Scott, A Marfell (M Lewis 46), G Evans, G Jones, A Davies. Booked: Venables (80). Goals: Evans (11), Venables (75).

Attendance: 77. Referee: M Jones (Wrexham).