Epsom & Ewell overcame the sending off of Nigel Bennett to salvage a point in Saturday's Ryman League Division Two match.

Richard Ingham skied an early chance for Epsom while the visitors had a good chance when Luke Gay caught Ilyas Cil in possession, but his square pass to Micky Owen Ross Shoefield also went close and Ware keeper Matt Cope was quickly off his line to clear Owen's pass away from Gay.

At the other end, Darly Hanson headed over and Warren Aburn saved well from Andy Crawford.

Gay dragged another chance wide, while Ingham nearly caught Cope unawares, but the keeper saved his 35-yard effort.

In the second half, Cope saved from Owen and reacted quickly to grab the ball away from Gay.

But it was Ware who took the lead after 55 minutes when Andy Crawford scored from the edge of the box.

Owen headed over Nick Williams' cross. Then Cope used his feet to deny Lee Purvis, who been set up by Bennett's brave header.

Bennett was the villain in the 67th minute when he was sent off for an awful two-footed challenge on Matt Allen.

Aburn made vital saves from Crawford and Chris Ellerbeck as Ware pressed for a second goal.

Instead, Epsom grabbed an equaliser five minutes from time. Although Mark Freeborough's header from Purvis' corner was cleared, Ross Shoefield knocked the ball back in for Gay to hook home.

Epsom & Ewell are at home to Brook House on Saturday.

Epsom & Ewell: Aburn, Williams, Ktorou, Freeborough, Fossey, Bennett, Shoefield, Ingham (Davidson 45), Gay, Owen (Heuston 78), Purvis.

Epsom reserves lost 2-0 at Dover Athletic in the Suburban League on Saturday. They are at home to Lewes in the Suburban League Shield on Wednesday, January 26.