BERRIEW fought back to claim a derby point as Guilsfield were left hanging on at the Community Centre Ground.
Intensive work on the surface ensured the overnight frost failed to prevent 150 supporters making their way to Guilsfield, for the big Bank Holiday Monday derby.
Guilsfield started the brighter with their forward line of Ross Frame and Tim Nunnerly causing early problems.
It was no surprise when Guilsfield forced a 14th minute lead, with defender James Henderson rising to head home Marc Davies’ corner.
Berriew were also threatening and as the game progressed, but were dealt a blow when top goalscorer Will Thomas hobbled off injured.
Without their talisman the visitors could have been expected to be muted, but instead hit back with renewed vigour.
Berriew were back on terms after 33 minutes with Martin Ziemann’s looping header palmed onto the bar and into his own net by Dave Littleford.
Both sides had chances to go into the interval ahead, with Berriew dangerman Jones delivering ever more dangerous crosses, while at the other end the Guils were only frustrated by a staunch defensive performance - notably from the excellent Joe Coulson.
The second-half started in a similar vein, with Jones’ inswinging free-kick tipped around the post by Littleford.
However on 52 minutes veteran striker Nunnerley spurned the Guils’ best opening of the match, when he directed a close range header into the grateful arms of Andrew.
Chances soon became scarcer as rival managers Mike Barton and Russell Cadwallader looked to outwit each other.
A midfield battle ensued with neither side willing to surrender an inch.
Surprisingly it was the visitors who began to get the upper hand and they looked more likely to seize victory.
On 65 minutes Jon Harris was picked out by a superb left wing cross from Rob Pritchard, but his diving header lacked the pace to beat Littleford.
Man of the match Jones soon became Berriew’s biggest attacking outlet with his dangerous crosses causing all kinds of problems for the home defence.
Poor clearances from Jones’ crosses led to Ian Probert trying his luck from distance with no success.
Shane Davies also scythed into the side-netting, while Ziemann skillfully set himself up only to fire wide from 25 yards, with 15 minutes remaining.
However despite their possession the Rhiewsiders could not find a winner.
Russell Cadwallader said: “We competed well and created our fair share of chances, so this gives me cause for optimism.
Guilsfield: Littleford, Gamble, M Davies, Henderson, J Jones, L Davies, G Jones, McGill, Astley, Frame, Nunnerley. Subs: Roberts, Cookson, Sawtell, Newton, Parr
Berriew: Andrew, Webster, M Jones, Pritchard, Coulson, M Probert, Harris, Ziemann, Thomas, I Probert, Davies. Subs: Phillips, Bowen, Pryce, Baldwin, Gethin