The first Kent derby in Investec National Premier Division history produced a thrilling finale as Holcombe and Canterbury shared the points.

The newly-promoted hosts led the way at Holcombe Park in the hotly anticipated Saturday evening showdown thanks to a goal from new arrival Nicola White, the GB and England international netting for the second straight game.

However it was veteran former Olympian Mel Clewlow who snatched a point for the city club with the defender converting a penalty corner taken after the final hooter.

Hundreds turned out to watch the floodlit encounter, and although Holcs were missing injured GB keeper Maddie Hinch, with Grace Baylis taking her place between the posts, Hinch’s international teammates White and fellow newcomer Sam Quek caused the visitors problems down the flanks.

After a goalless first-half, the hosts broke the deadlock six minutes after the break as Steph Elliot’s through-ball sent White through to open the scoring.

The tension rose as time ebbed away and the visitors lost veteran Nikki Triggs to a yellow card before winning a disputed penalty corner as time expired.

Clewlow held her nerve to fire the resultant set-piece past Baylis and spark wild celebrations.

Both teams - who began the day occupying the top-two positions following opening day wins - were overhauled at the summit by Clifton, who beat Reading by a single goal.

Holcombe v Canterbury - in pictures