EVESHAM United maintained their five-point advantage over fellow play-off hopefuls Swindon Supermarine after the two sides battled out a hard fought 1-1 draw at the Jubilee Stadium on Wednesday.
The fifth placed Robins – currently occupying the final Southern League Division One South & West play-off place – made a blistering start as they took the lead after just 22 seconds through Mark Magee’s strike following a defensive mistake.
The goal was the fastest ever scored at the Jubilee, but the visitors hit back to earn a share of the spoils through Josh Grace-Parsons’ clinical 48th-minute effort.
Magee went close to doubling the hosts’ lead in the first half but saw his effort well saved and after the break the unmarked Ashley Williams headed over from Garyn Preen’s corner.
However, Marine were well worth their point and had spells on top themselves, not least when Ryan Campbell missed a gilt-edged close range chance to put the visitors ahead 15 minutes from time.
The point also extended United’s advantage over seventh placed Mangotsfield United to seven points, although the Bristol side have a game in hand.
Evesham, who have six matches remaining, continue what is a very testing run-in when they host second placed Taunton Town on Saturday.
Boss Paul Collicutt is likely to be without star striker Lance Smith, who returned from a three-match ban against Swindon as a substitute, only to suffer a nasty-looking injury late on when he was trodden on by a defender.
The player revealed on Twitter: “Great, first game back, last kick of the game. Defender falling on my ankle. Heard a big crack. Cheers.”