Stamford AFC draw with Leiston in the Southern League Premier Division Central
The Daniels made it three games unbeaten in the Southern League Premier Division Central as they came back from the Suffolk coast with a draw at Leiston on Saturday.
Jamar Loza had given the hosts a first half lead which was cancelled out by a fine strike from Tendai Chitiza midway through the second period.
The draw moved third-placed Stamford level on points with table-topping Kettering who have two matches in hand on the chasing pack.
Manager Graham Drury made one change from the victory over St Ives Town with Joe Burgess coming in for Tobias Liversidge.
The home side started brightly when Oliver Saunders fired a shot which Tom Jackson was able to push away.
Billy Bennett then crossed the ball from the Stamford left and he found Chitiza who placed his header straight at Billy Johnson in the home goal.
Leiston then were awarded a penalty after Saunders was fouled in the area and Loza stepped up and, despite Jackson guessing the right way, he could not stop the ball going into the goal.
Stamford continued to press and Chitiza had a shot which was parried and cleared from danger.
The Daniels were awarded a free kick after a foul on Burgess. Gregory took the set piece, but Johnson was able to push away from danger.
Leiston's Ben Fowkes was then able to fire a shot at goal but it was pushed away for a corner.
Connor Bartle had been introduced from the substitutes' bench four minutes before half-time and his long throw after the break found Rob Morgan but the Daniels captain fired his shot wide.
Ashton Offler was also off target with another effort before Leiston had a chance to extend their lead when Fowkes fired wide of the post.
Stamford levelled midway through the second half when Bartle found Chitiza and he cut inside from the left and fired a shot that flew into the far top corner.
Stamford continued to look for a second goal and Jack Duffy made a strong run and his shot was parried by the Leiston keeper and away from danger.
Bennett then crossed the ball from the left which was met by Gregory but the Daniels forward put his header wide of the goal while Bartle also had a shot which sailed over the bar.
As the game entered injury time, Stamford piled on the pressure looking for a winner.
They forced a series of corners which the home side defended well with defenders throwing their bodies on the line to prevent the Daniels from claiming all three points.