Story by Eli Haidari.

Despite a dominant performance by Hampton & Richmond Borough FC in their first home game of the season, the Beavers could not find the decisive goal and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the visiting Hemel Hempstead on Saturday afternoon.

Before the two sides kicked off, Hampton held out a banner promoting their newly formed 'Tickets for Troops' scheme which has seen the club team up with the military charity to provide free tickets to members of the UK's armed forces.

Tommy Wood twice came close for the hosts in the opening 45 but Hampton found themselves a goal down after Hemel's Jordan Greenidge broke the deadlock ten minutes before the half-time whistle.

The Hemel number nine picked up the ball midway in the Hampton half before driving towards the penalty area and shooting through a crowd of bodies, wrong-footing Smith between the sticks.

Hampton responded immediately and were awarded a penalty after Dean Inman was brought down in the box following a corner.

Brandon Barzey stepped up firing low into the bottom left corner however Hemel's keeper Craig King was equal to it, brilliantly beating the ball away.

Hampton's pressure continued early in the second half with Wood coming close with a headed effort narrowly clearing the bar.

Barzey then made amends for his missed spot kick, latching onto Wood's expertly threaded through ball before calmly slotting past Smith to draw the game level.

Hampton's Dean Inman (right) receives the man of the match award (Image: Hampton & Richmond Borough FC)

The hosts pushed for the winner but were unable to break the stubborn Hemel defence and were forced to settle for a point as they now look towards Tuesday night's fixture against Bath City seeking their first league win of the season.