LATE drama resulted in a 1-1 draw between Wareham Rangers and Swanage Town & Herston in a Dorset Premier League derby.

Cody Rose-Moore opened the scoring for the visitors in the first half before Aaron Merredew headed the equaliser with four minutes to play.

Wareham started the better but failed to capitalise on early opportunities.

Tim Brown's Swans grew into the game with Rose-Moore and Garan Bennett both almost finding the net.

And it was the former who broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when he reacted quickest to fire home after the Wareham goalkeeper parried an effort from Bennett.

The game then descended into a scrappy affair with chances at a premium. Swans goalkeeper Dan Beeston appeared to have secured the win for his team with two terrific saves. But with the clock ticking down, Merredew nodded home to ensure Rangers secured a share of the spoils.

The point, which ended a run of 12 consecutive defeats in all competitions for Wareham, lifted Martin Clarke's side above neighbours Corfe Castle into 15th in the table.

Swans dropped to 11th and remained without an away league win this season ahead of another Purbeck derby against Corfe at Day's Park tomorrow (7.45pm).