WORCESTER CITY kicked off their new Midland Football League Premier Division campaign by letting a two-goal lead slip over AFC Wulfrunians.
Leading 3-1 with eight minutes to go at Claines Lane, the Blue and Whites looked destined for an opening day league win, but were then clinging for a point after Wulfs fought back.
Craig Jones returned to the City side after getting injured in the first pre-season fixture at Cheltenham Saracens in July and there was also a return for Chris Withington who came on late in the game.
Both sides had chances early on but it was City who took the lead on 23 minutes. A long throw-in from Luke English was met by Jones who headed in from 10 yards out.
On 56 minutes City added a second after a well-worked move. Dan Westwood was sent clear down the left wing by Chris Sterling and his pass was initially mis-controlled by Archie Muirhead but he then quickly regained composure before slotting home on his left foot.
City had further chances before the visitors pulled one back through Aaron Bishop.
Within a minute City stretched their lead in bizarre circumstances. A long throw-in from English was mis-handled by the Wulfs keeper and the ball dropped over his head into the net.
Two minutes later it was 3-2, Jack Till firing home from close range after a right-wing cross.
City saw another chance go begging before Wulfs pulled it level on 84 minutes when the unmarked Ben Jevons converted from a free-kick deep into the box from the halfway line.
Wulfs nearly added a fourth in injury time but Aaron Roberts blocked well to deny the visitors a win.
After a 1-1 draw with Highgate United on Wednesday (August 18), City head to Wolverhampton Casuals next Saturday (August 28).