United struck first thanks to debutant Michael McCulloch's head, but Saints levelled the score shortly after and it stayed that way until the end.

McCulloch headed in a nice free kick from Lucas Heagney about 20 minutes into the contest, but Saints' equaliser also came from an elevated ball into the box.

Defender Brad Spokes was knocked into keeper Brock Longworth, taking them both out, and the ball was played into the relatively open net.

Adam Woonton played cross after cross into the Saints box in the second half, but his teammates just couldn't get onto the end of one to slot home.

United coach Chris Walsh said the result was fair and paid tribute to Saints for their resilient defending.

"To Kempsey's credit, they defended really well," he said.

He lamented taking McCulloch off at the break.

"We could have used him in the second half," Walsh said. "We took him off at half time because we estimated that's where his fitness levels were up to."

Brendan Prince had a standout game at right back. He's usually in the centre of defence.

"He cleaned up a lot of stuff," Walsh said. "He played really well."

Walsh will now pick a side to take on Forster Tuncurry Tigers at Dixie Park on Thursday night.

The Tigers are coming off the back of a good win over Port FC on Saturday.

Pick up Wednesday's Port News for more football coverage

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