A STIRRING second half performance from Calne saw almost them come back to beat high-flying Hallen.

Kelvin Highmore's side got off to the worst possible start when they fell behind after two minutes. But they battled back to earn a point with a late equaliser from Matt Pratley.

They almost stole a win when Chris Jones just failed to get on the end of a Glenn Armstrong free-kick.

Highmore said: "It's a clich but I felt it was certainly a game of two halves. Hallen had the better of the first but in the second we destroyed them and were disappointed not to get the three points.

"I've said all along this season that Hallen are the best side in the league and they play football in the right way. They are well drilled and I've got the utmost respect for them."

Highmore added that he was pleased his team responded to their poor start but said they still lacked the cutting edge needed to get the win.

"We committed suicide early on but we were still in game at half-time," he said. "In the second half hard graft got us back but we were still lacking a little bit of quality on the ball.

"But at times in the second half it was like watching the team we are capable of being. How we didn't win I don't know. We came so close. Joner just had to touch it and its in at the end and how its gone by him I don't know."

Hallen took the lead when a long ball out of defence from Ron Mowatt saw Fidel Richards outpace Graham Ford and score.

Hallen remained on top for most of the first half but Calne clung on.

In the second half Calne were much improved and on 62 minutes a neat move involving Ford and Armstrong almost got James Lye away but Scannell was out quickly to gather.

The equaliser finally arrived on 80 minutes when Kevin Banks' throughball on the left found Lye who beat a defender and crossed for Matt Pratley to score with a diving header.

Calne continued pushing forward and almost took all three points when Chris Jones just failed to connect with Armstrong's free-kick.

Highmore added: "We were absolutely superb in the second half. Fingers crossed I can keep these players because I'm getting close to side I want for next season."

Calne complete their season away trip to Chard on Saturday and have doubts over Gary Banks (ankle) and Jake Jefferies (back) while Graham Ford is unavailable.

Kevin Banks is set to play through a knee tendonitis problem and both Robbie Lardner and Darryl Simms could return after missing the Hallen draw.

Glenn Armstrong will also be in the squad after apologising for missing the recent derby with Corsham. Highmore said: "We had a long chat and Glenn apologised. It's dealt with and the matter has been put to bed.

"We beat Chard at 2-0 at home this season but it will be a different ball game down there. They have pitch like Ben Nevis but they've got playing on it down to an art. It will not a case of which studs to take, I think we'll need climbing boots."