EVESHAM United were denied victory in the Calor League Division One South and West when Sam Malsom struck a late equaliser to earn big-spending Tiverton Town a 1-1 draw at the Jubilee Stadium.

Robins manager Paul Collicutt, who was missing key players through injury, gave a debut to Ed Williams, who has joined United on a month’s loan from League Two side Cheltenham Town.

United took time to get their game going and it was Tiverton who opened strongly.

Nick Rudge and Matt Villis both had efforts cleared off the line by Adam Millard and Richard Mansell respectively and goalkeeper John Bateman spread himself well to push aside a drive from the dangerous Dan Smith.

The Robins fought back, however, and went ahead with their first effort on goal after 30 minutes.

Williams won a corner on the left and, from his flagkick, skipper Mansell powerfully headed home his first goal of the season.

It could have got better for United before half-time when James Vercesi’s drive was turned away by Mike Searle at full stretch and then the Tivvy keeper safely gathered Mansell’s well-struck freekick.

The Devon side could have pulled a goal back during the early stages of the secondhalf but Bateman was up to the task with important saves from Josh Searle and leading scorer Matt Wright.

Williams continued to look threatening for the hosts, crossing for Carl Brown who glanced a header wide and saw his snap-shot fly just over with Searle beaten.

But it was Tiverton who were to have the final say with just two minutes to go.

Substitute Malsom delivered a cross-shot from wide left which sailed over the head of Bateman and nestled in the net.

Evesham United: Bateman, Wilson, Mansell, Barnfield, Dovey, Millard, Kennedy (Tambling 72), Davis (Smith 77), Brown (Palmer 63), Vercesi, Williams. Subs not used: Magee, Sherry.

Attendance: 195.