A pulsating season opener at Plas Kynaston burst into life inside eight minutes as Stephens hooked a memorable 30 yard shot over the head of Chris Mullock.

However the home side were ahead by the break with goals from two of their summer signings.

Former Wrexham striker Joe Feeney levelled eight minutes later when he outmuscled Geraint Windsor to open his account.

On the stroke of half-time it was the turn of ex-TNS midfielder Nicky Ward to mark his return with an unstoppable 25 yard free-kick.

Welshpool introduced Steve Rogers in the second-half and within seven minutes of the re-start the change paid off as his knock down led to Paul Roberts poking home from close range.

Druids restored their lead with 15 minutes remaining when veteran former Caersws midfielder Geraint Lewis drilled an unstoppable shot beyond Jones.

Injury to new defender John Boardman was coupled with Kyle Jacobs being stretchered off with just seconds remaining of the match.

However seconds were all Welshpool needed to save a point with Stephens sending the away bench into rapture with a last gasp equaliser.

The goal also sparked outrage on the home bench with joint-manager Wayne Phillips sent off by referee Mark Petch for protesting that too much time had been played.

Welshpool manager Tomi Morgan said: “You play until the final whistle and I was delighted that the lads refused to give in until the very end.

“It felt like we’d won in the end and as far as I’m concerned it was a just reward for a promising display.”