A clinically taken brace from Aaron Burns wasn’t enough to give Nantwich Town a second victory in as many games, writes Richard Scott.
The Dabbers dominated throughout, but hosts Stamford came from behind twice to steal a point.
It was Stamford’s first competitive game at their new Zeeco Stadium, with more than 800 fans turning out.
But Nantwich dominated from the start, registering 18 shots with an impressive 72% on target.
They also earned 14 corners during the game.
But a combination of last ditch defending and fine saves from home goalkeeper Andrew Stevens kept the Daniels in touching distance.
The Dabbers took the lead after just two minutes when a cross from Andy White found Burns, who tapped home for the first goal in the Zeeco Stadium.
The host’s first effort came on the counter when Moreman was found in space but he shot off target.
Burns could have made it 2-0 on 14 minutes when he shot from just outside the D, but it flew just wide of the top corner.
Stamford were level a minute later when John smashed an unstoppable strike from outside the box with Smith diving low to his right.
White nearly got another assist when he crossed low for Burns, who was sliding in, but it was deflected away by the keeper.
Andy Pearson almost scored when an Iain Howard free kick landed on the centre back’s head but it was off target and eventually cleared.
Stamford had the ball in the net from Jordan Smith but the linesmen flag was up to deny him a goal.
Nantwich should have been ahead when Clayton was played through but Stevens made a one-handed save to deny to the winger a third goal in four games.
Pearson then forced Stevens into a save, who was keeping the hosts in the tie.
The Dabbers justifiably regained the lead in injury time of the first half, as a cross from Kosylo found Burns, who headed home.
Nantwich almost scored straight after the restart when Burns teed up Pearson.
His shot was blocked and the ball fell to Mark Jones, but the Dabbers’ captain saw his shot deflected just past the post.
Burns then won a corner, which found Mat Bailey. His header was straight at the keeper, with Burns waiting to pounce for his hat-trick.
Howard forced Stevens into a fine save as the Dabbers looked to extend the lead.
Smith got booked for Stamford for a rash challenge on Disney, but the Dabbers kept their cool as they looked to take all three points to Cheshire.
On 71 minutes, Burns was withdrawn for Winslade in what was the Dabber’s only change of the game.
Winslade tried to make an instant impact when Pearson played him in but his shot hit the side netting.
Stamford drew level for a second time on 77 minutes against the run of play. A cross found Smith unmarked and he headed home past his namesake in the Nantwich goal.
Terry Smith then had to be on hand to stop Moreman from giving the Daniels the lead as Stamford found new life.
McGowan had a chance in the final minute of the game as his shot flew well wide of Smith’s goal.
Nantwich complete their home fixtures for 2014 next Saturday as Buxton visit the Weaver Stadium.
Nantwich Town: Smith, Disney, White, Pearson, A.Jones, Bailey, Kosylo, M.Jones, Burns, Clayton and Howard. Subs: Dowling, Winslade (on for Burns, 71 minutes), Blake, Pepper and Harrop
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