SUPER sub Ian Palin saved his side on Saturday after hitting a late equaliser for struggling Knypersley Vics.

Palin was only a yard out when the ball fell to him with just four minutes left of the Vics' league clash at Shifnal.

The Shifnal keeper and a defender made a hash of cutting out a cross into the box from Andrew Brownsword, and Palin knocked the ball in.

The goal cancelled out a second half strike by Shifnal, and earned Knypersley a deserved 1-1 draw in their bid to climb away from the relegation zone.

The Vics are third from bottom, one point clear of Stapenhill, with possibly three teams due for the drop.

Both sides started brightly on a pitch praised by Knypersley for its excellent condition, bearing in mind the large number of games cancelled at the weekend.

Kevin Taylor in the Vics' goal made two good stops from shots early on, and Ali Kamara went close for Knypersley on 18 minutes with a volley which flew just wide.

The Vics came within inches of taking the lead five minutes into the second half when when a Lee Horton cross was headed on by Kamara.

The keeper parried the ball out to Brownsword, whose volley rebounded to Paul James, who in turn hit the ball over the bar.

Shifnal went one up on 65 minutes from a low volley by striker Powell.

Palin was brought on 15 minutes from time after Craig Redgate injured a knee.

Knypersley are at home to Stourport Swifts in the league tomorrow.