NICHOLAS Peare's late equaliser ensured Cirencester Town took a point from their 2023/24 Southern League Division One Central opener at Kings Langley. 

Peare turned the ball home from close range to rescue a point for The Centurions after they went behind in the fifth minute of the game via Jermaine Howe's penalty. 

It was a sloppy start to the new season for the visitors and a penalty inside the opening minutes of the campaign was hardly the expected beginning. 

Howe dispatched the spot-kick to hand the hosts the lead but Cirencester did respond and Luca Robinson was one of those to go close, poking just wide of the post. 

Will Christopher then crossed from the right flank and Jonny Dennis' header back across goal was kept out by keeper Juliusz Pazio. The Langley keeper was called into action again just before the break to tip Aidan Bennett's strike over the bar.

The Centurions started the second period positively with a cross that fizzed through the home box without contact in the opening minutes, whilst Nelson was called into action at the other end to save a firm header from Michael Gabblah.

At the mid-point of the half Cheyce Grant created an opening for Langley but Nelson pulled off a point-blank save to deny him.

Then, with stoppage time almost approaching, Peare was on hand to swivel in the box and lash the ball into the net for the all-important equaliser. 

Cirencester are back in action on Tuesday evening when they host Thame United in their first home game of the season.