IT WAS honours even in Somerset as Evesham United returned to Worcestershire with a point for their efforts after a 2-2 draw with Frome Town on Tuesday night.
United will perhaps feel hard done by not to have taken all three points though, after a last-gasp Alex Monks penalty ensured a late stalemate in what was the battle of the Robins in Southern League Division One South.
Frome’s Jake Jackson kicked off the scoring on ten minutes, firing home from close range after a defensive lapse allowed the forward a yard of space to tuck the ball away.
But the game then suddenly took a turn in the visitors’ favour at The Robins’ Nest, after two goals in five minutes from Jamie Lucas.
The first, a 26th-minute penalty which sent Town goalkeeper Kyle Phillips the wrong way and nestled low in the bottom corner of the net, was followed by a one-on-one which he converted with ease five minutes later.
Both sides were playing enterprising football, so it was a shame when the referee brought the half to a close, with Lewis Clayton keeping out the final chance of the first period from former Evesham player Kane Simpson.
Josh Hunt was unlucky not to see his goal-bound strike not go in, with Phillips performing acrobatics to tip over the bar as play resumed.
Clayton was again the scourge of Simpson, this time keeping out the forward with an excellent save in a one-on-one situation.
Frome’s pressure continued though, and the hosts were rewarded for their endeavour when Jack Witcombe was brought down inside the penalty area – leaving the referee with the simple decision of pointing to the spot.
Monks made no mistake with the resulting shot from 12 yards, tying the scoreline which probably was a fair reflection at the final whistle.
Neil Hunt’s side now aim to use their midweek frustrations to good effect on Saturday, when visiting Tamworth at The Lamb Ground in the second round of FA Cup qualifying (3pm).
In what will undoubtedly be a tough prospect against the Step Three hosts – who are unbeaten in all four games played so far – Evesham fans will perhaps take encouragement from a leaky Tamworth defence which has shipped seven goals and are still awaiting a clean sheet this season.
Attentions then turn back to league action with the return of Monday night football at home to Larkhall Athletic (7.45pm).