JOHN Woods wrote the latest chapter in his courageous comeback from cancer on Easter Monday when he started his first match for 15 months against Wiltshire rivals Calne.

The Corsham assistant, who last month ran the Bath half-marathon just nine weeks after coming out of hospital, was told he was playing only an hour before kick-off. Woods said: "Me and Nobby (Bush) put our heads together at 2pm and I told him I knew what the team was going to be, but he insisted that I didn't.

"I thought I would be on the bench and might come on for the last 20 minutes, so I was excited when Nobby told me I was in the team." Woods last started a game in January 2005 against Odd Down. The veteran midfielder has since undergone three operations and more than 600 hours of chemotherapy.

He said it was quite an emotional feeling running out onto the Southbank pitch, adding: "I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nice to pull on the old number six jersey again and take my place in the midfield."

Woods hopes to play some part in Corsham's two remaining league games, against Bideford tomorrow and Odd Down next Saturday, but he insists he's happy to leave the two cup finals to the younger players. "I'm just pleased to be part of the squad," he said. "The lads have done ever so well to get to two cup finals so it's not for me to take their places.

"We've only got a few games left but I'm back and I'm up to speed. Nobby knows he can call on me to do a job if he needs to. "When I was first diagnosed with cancer it was always my aim to get back playing. I have worked really hard to get fit. The little goals and challenges I have set myself have all fallen into place."

Ben Fitch fired Corsham ahead in a first half of few chances. Frank Coleman should have sealed victory for the Reds but he shot wide when he was clean through on goal. Kevin Banks rescued a point for Calne with a wonder strike from the edge of the box after good work from his brother Gary on the left wing.

Corsham manager Colin Bush said Woods' comeback was the main theme of the day, adding: "I thought John was one of the best players on the park. "Neither side deserved to lose. I thought Calne played with vigour, led by Robbie Lardner, who was excellent. Kevin Banks' strike was an absolute screamer.

"This draw means we are unbeaten in all our local derbies in the league this season, which is a great achievement by the players." Lilywhites boss Lardner agreed that Woods had been the star of what turned out to be a fairly dull derby.

He said: "John did really well. After everything he's been through it was great to see him back. If he keeps playing like that Nobby won't be able to leave him out next season. "It wasn't the best game. We were on top for 20 minutes but our defending was sloppy for their goal and we let them back into it.

"In the end I was pleased with the draw because a lot of hard work went into the game."