Title chasers Dandy Town rescued a valuable point as North Village lost their heads in the dying seconds at St. John's Field.

A controversial free-kick was awarded in Hornets' favour in the final minute yesterday with referee Anthony Francis penalising 'keeper Jason Williams for breaching the six-second rule.

While Williams and his defenders stood around protesting the decision, substitute Shakir Smith took a quick free-kick to red hot striker Raymond Beach who tapped into an empty net.

Village's players objected vehemently with Francis after the final whistle, but opposing coach Scott Morton reckoned the red army only had themselves to blame.

"Whatever decision the referee's makes players have to stay focused," said Morton. "Our players reacted to the situation whereas Village's lost their focus. They only have themselves to blame."

Village took the lead midway through the first half when debutant Nicholas Parker scrambled home a corner-kick at the back post, but squandered a chance to double their advantage when Keith Jennings ballooned a penalty wildly over the bar after Jan-Quille Stowe had fouled him.

After the break, Hornets drew level when Williams could only parry Lashun Dill's effort, allowing Beach to bang home to rebound. But it wasn't long before Village restored their lead with defender Damon Edwards diving in to head home Jared Peniston's centre.

An injury to Hornets substitute Dante Leverock then interrupted play for around 15 minutes with the young striker having to be taken to hospital in an ambulance with a suspected broken ankle.

When the match resumed Hornets stepped up their tempo in hunt for an equaliser but it seemed as though Village had enough resilience to hold on until the unfortunate Williams was punished for dwelling too long on the ball. Hornets coach Morton said he couldn't work out whether his team had gained a point or lost two. "It's difficult to say, but I'm sure Village will be feeling hard done by (not to have won)," he said.

"I always tell my players they must be committed for the whole match and we got our rewards today."

Dandy Town

M.Crockwell, E.Signor, J-Q Stowe (S.Smith 70), K.Lathan, D.Signor, J.Swan, C.Smith, J.Dickinson (D.Leverock 71, J. Furbert 78), L.Dill, H.Wolfe, R.Beach

Subs: K.Sampson, S.Brown, A.O'Brien, J.Furbert

North Village

J.Williams, R.Wilson, D.Edwards, K.Dill, R.Spence, J.Peniston, J.Boyles, K.Jennings, R.Bean, N.Parker (N.Wilkinson 60) R.Tyrell (D.Blyden 87)

Subs: P.Smith, V. Minors, K.Dill, Z.Henrickson, K.Swan

Referee: A.Francis

Bookings: K.Dill (Village)

Man-of-the-match

R.Tyrell (Village)